“Mourning is one of the most profound human experiences that it is possible to have… The deep capacity to weep for the loss of a loved one and to continue to treasure the memory of that loss is one of our noblest human traits”.
~ Shneidman (1980)
One of our former instructors, Roslyn Gemeren, passed away on Friday March 30. Ros had suffered from an eating disorder for many years and her death has been attributed to complications arising from this.
Ros started teaching for Jacki’s in June 1998 and over her years as an instructor she taught at Hornsby, Carlingford, Ryde East and St. Ives. Students from many other classes would have met Ros when she filled in for sick or injured instructors. She was generous to a fault and never said “no” when asked by another instructor to take over a class at very short notice.
Ros was open, honest, sweet-natured and a truly “good” person.
After she stopped teaching for Jacki’s in late 2005, we kept in touch from time to time. She always enquired after everyone in my family, and was famous for posting handmade cards for birthdays, Christmas and, touchingly, Mothers’ Day.
I visited Ros when she was staying at a treatment facility in Ashfield, and on some occasions I brought her back to my house for afternoon tea. Instructors Jennifer Lee and Sue Pretty both accompanied me on various visits and I know that their support meant a lot to Ros.
I’ll miss Ros, and my heart goes out to her family – her sister Meredith, her father Joost and her stepmother Helen.
Ros was 42 years old.
If you have a memory of Ros please feel free to share it here.
Diana Royds
Goodbye Ros,
I’ll miss your gentleness, thoughtfulness & kindness , you were such a loving soul, may you rest in peace sweet Roslyn
My heart & thoughts go out to the whole family, may you all find peace in knowing that she is not suffering anymore.
I remember very well when you first joined our JSAD team of instructors, such a shy & caring person, I felt I wanted to adopt you as my second daughter… I miss you…!
With loving thoughts
Sam
Gentle, humble,compassionate and courageous are just a few qualities that come to mind when I think of Ros.
She fought her illness with all she had – a quiet perseverance against a pernicious disease.
Her generosity of spirit and the kindness that defined her, I will miss. Yet to know she is now released of the pain and despair that dominated her life, provides great comfort.
To her family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
With love Sue.
Dear Ros
No one who knew you will ever forget your sweetness, gentleness, humility, generosity and love for your students. Thank you for the January classes you ran at East Ryde that inspired other instructors to introduce them.
We remember the lovingly executed cards you made to thank us for our Christmas gifts and to wish us well when we were sick, and the messages you sent us when you couldn’t attend our social functions. We missed you when you moved and could no longer join us for coffee after class.
Rest in peace when you are not dancing with the angels.
Dear Ros
I will remember you always as a gentle, caring person who struggled with an insidious disease. You always continued to fight and although ill continued to work in areas of nuturing and caring for others. I treasure the small gift you gave me and think of you every day when I use it. Your suffering is over now but your memory will always live on.
Although you have left us you always be part of the Jackis family.
Vale Roslyn
You were clearly able to give so much in the face of a very long and difficult journey. May peace and rest be yours.
I remember Ros as a very sweet, gentle and unassuming person, and although I didn’t know her for long, as her ballet teacher she was a pleasure to teach. Blessing to her family on this sad occasion. Rest in peace Ros.
Ros was the instructor at East Ryde when I first started dancing. What fun classes. I remember you Ros as one the most kind, gentle and caring people I have ever met. You continued to remember us with your lovely cards when you were no longer able to join us socially. Rest in peace now dear Ros.
Thank you so much for the loving memories and sympathy. Jacki’s Dancing was a real love for Roslyn while she was an instructor. As a sister, I was always being told stories of all ‘the girls’.
For all of you who have commented here, sent cards, attended the funeral etc, Thank You. I haven’t been able to respond to each of you personally but the love you showed when you heard the news of Ros’s death was a comfort to me and a huge blessing and encouragement to my parents.
with love
Meredith
I’m so sorry to hear of yours and your Fathers loss Meredith. I often think of you and your family as they were quietly significant in my life in my teenage years. I remember your sister as a calm and gentle soul, one that I have often aspired to when I’ve felt angry at the world. I hope you and your Father are well.
I just wanted to say thank you so much for this beautiful blog.
I know it has meant so much to Meredith and family, and continues to be of great comfort to family members and friends.
Her memory lives on in our hearts – her gentleness, kindness and love. Roslyn, a dear cousin.