Rosemary Reed

Rosemary Reed was born in Toronto, Ontario, on July 4, 1947, to parents John Reed and Margaret Keiller, and died in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

Rosemary was a loving and cherished partner to David Poitevin for over 40 years, and an adoring and inspiring mother to her daughter, Ashley. She was a beloved sister to Joan (Gary) and Wendy (Wilson), a caring stepmom to Amy (Chris) and Ben (Sheena), and aunt to Jennifer, Jeffrey, Adam (Andrea), and Erin.

Rosemary grew up on Toronto Island and was always proud to share stories of her upbringing in this unique, close-knit, community that faced “the big city.”

After relocating to Sault Ste. Marie, Rosemary began her career in Continuing Education at Sault College as a Program Development Manager, where she oversaw Fine Arts, Women’s and Community programming. As her role expanded over the years, she took ownership of the implementation of Sault College’s provincial employment and literacy programs throughout the Algoma region and was instrumental in the development of first of their kind employment programs for the province of Ontario, in both Sault Ste. Marie and East Algoma.

Rosemary was also a founding member of Sault Ste. Marie’s Youth Trust and served as a long-time board member of Program Read and the Algoma Fall Festival.

In all her professional and community endeavours, Rosemary was highly respected by colleagues, peers and collaborators, and held a reputation as a fair and honest leader, willing to support and mentor others, making her a role model for many.

After retiring professionally in 2001, she loved being able to spend more time at the family cottage in the summer and cross-country skiing at Hiawatha in the winter. She embraced all seasons, and the routines and activities she could enjoy with her loved ones and huskies.

Her appreciation of flair and detail made those around her feel seen, admired, and appreciated. She met her match with her husband, David; a partner she loved to the fullest definition. They looked forward to regularly traveling to Toronto and Montreal and visiting their favourite local shops. Raising Ashley, it did not take much to convince her to road trip to any number of concerts or events, embracing a passion for the arts that would later shape and support her daughter’s career. No one was prouder.

Rosemary shared a love of dinner parties with her dear friends – always noting it would never make sense to go to a restaurant for dinner, with this gifted talent pool around her. You’d be hard-pressed to find an acquaintance in Sault Ste Marie who had not been gifted her famous holiday “bark.”

She will be fiercely missed by all who experienced the joy of knowing her, especially David and Ashley, whose lives she profoundly shaped in the best imaginable way.

She will always be remembered for her dynamite smile.

It should be noted that Rosemary loved to send and receive greeting cards, which you can do so c/o Arthur Funeral Home, to be connected directly with the family. She had requested private family arrangements, over a public service. Donations in Rosemary’s memory can be made to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation, a place that took great care of her and will continue to serve the community in ways she and her family value and appreciate.

Arrangement entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. East; 705-759-2522). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the family.