It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend and fellow Madame Rosemary Aubert on March 13, 2024.
Rosemary was not only a gifted, award-winning author, she was a talented writing teacher. Many of her students went on to publish critically acclaimed books. Even more importantly, she will be remembered as a woman with a large heart. She was wonderfully generous to fellow writers, sharing advice and encouragement and unfailingly supportive, attending book events even in frail health.
Growing up in Niagara Falls, NY, Rosemary always felt that she belonged to both Canada and the USA. As a kid, she loved Canada because there you could buy Red Rose tea and firecrackers, which were banned in New York state. Maybe that’s why she chose to make Canada her home!
Rosemary had a fascinating and varied career. She started her writer’s life as a poet, but earning a living meant turning to genre fiction. She was an editor at Harlequin before becoming a successful romance novelist herself. After volunteering at a halfway house, she obtained a degree in criminology and worked for many years in Canada’s court system. She used her knowledge of people in conflict with the law to create the acclaimed and popular Ellis Portal crime fiction series. Ellis is a former judge who lives rough in the Don Valley. Restoring the Don was a cause close to her heart.
After marrying her husband, artist Douglas Purdon, Rosemary devoted much of her time to teaching creative writing at the University of Toronto and Loyalist College in Belleville. With Doug’s encouragement, she discovered her talents as an illustrator and had a successful show at the Arts and Letters Club in Toronto. She also pursued her interest in mathematics through continuing studies at Oxford.
Rosemary was fearless. She forged ahead with self-publishing many years before the literary world embraced indie authors. Against all odds, she beat serious health challenges with the same heart and courage.
She leaves her husband, Doug, her sister, Linda and her brothers and their families in the USA. Her many friends will miss her always.
Mesdames of Mayhem 
A beautiful friend, fellow writer and artist, part of my ex-pat American Antiwar warriors who came to Canada in the 1960s, you are missed but will never be forgotten.
Joseph Mark Glazner.
She was a vital part of our Canadian crime writing community for sure, Joseph. Also a cherished friend. We will always treasure our memories of Rosemary.
This is so sad to hear. Rosemary and I were friends during our romance publishing years and often met for lunch in Toronto along with other writers. I’ll always remember going to the Detroit RWA conference on the train with her and other writers. Lots of memories.
Rosemary’s funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 19, at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge St,, Toronto (one long block north of the St. Clair subway station).