Condolences for Miss Rosalind Addison
"I am a great believer in thinking positively about situations, no matter how difficult they may seem at first glance." -- Miss Rosalind W. Addison
Miss Addison passed away peacefully on the morning of Monday, January 16, 2012.
For those who did not know her, Miss Addison taught at Crofton House from 1955, was Vice Principal from 1958 - 1970, and Headmistress from 1970 - 1990 when she retired as our Headmistress Emerita.
The Memorial Service in thanksgiving for the life of Miss Addison was held at Christ Church Cathedral, on Saturday, February 4, 2012, followed by a reception at the Hotel Vancouver.
Rosalind Addison Memorial Program
Please see the Reception Slideshow
We are pleased to share the thoughts and wishes of our community.
A very opinionated 5 year old, I was adamant I did not want to go to Crofton and did everything I could (including feigning colour blindness which fooled professionals for 8 months) to not be selected for the Grade 1 class. Indeed, my mum remembers Miss Addison telling her that not only were they refusing me a place but also that I should repeat kindergarten! The complete opposite of what my kindergarten teachers had said. (My brother, 15 at the time was a workaholic student at St Georges and I had apparently equated private schools with way too much work. Indeed, when they realised I was only pretending to be colour blind and stupid, I was eventually quoted as saying "I didn't want to go to a school where all the dummies went...")
So... Miss Addison must've been chuckling to herself when my parents used reverse psychology to get me to re-apply for Grade 7 (you weren't smart enough to get in the first time etc....) Once accepted, I had no choice but to go. That said, it was 6 of the best years of my life. A first rate education with amazing friends and a wide range of extracurricular activities as well. Miss Addison and her assemblies were a key part of the experience. As someone noted earlier, I'll never forget her "bloomer check" April Fool's Day joke! CHS, led by AD's stern but fair leadership, more than equipped us for the challenges of life ahead. Indeed, I often find myself thinking how unlucky others have been not to have attended a school like Crofton House.
Living so many miles away as I do in the UK, I am doubly saddened that I will be unable to attend Miss Addison's memorial service. That said, she will be in my heart and mind for all the years to come. Servabo Fidem.
-- Susan Amalia Marinakis '90
With appreciation and admiration, fondness and even new insight, and tears, I read the messages of condolences for Miss Addision. I have thought about her much, recalled so many memories, can still envisage her as clearly as ever, even feel her gaze. It is impossible not to be struck by the profound influence she has had on generations of girls and their families; she taught us so much, more than we perhaps could have understood at the time. I feel true gratitude and appreciation for Miss Addison, for all that she did for those around her, the opportunities she afforded us throughout our lives. I think we all keep the faith. My thoughts are with her family, Miss Mackie, her friends, and all those dear to her - she will be sorely missed. May you rest in peace and forever in our hearts, Miss Addison.
-- Fiona Danks '92
What does one say as a final farewell to such a formidable lady.I have always thought Miss Addison "AD" would live forever. Well, now I know she will, in my heart. I salute you one last time Miss Addison. You were the single most pivotal person who shaped me into who I am today. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am fortunate to have been under your guidance. I will also always remember with fondness the twinkle you had in your eyes the time when you caught Doris, Gigi, Joanne ,Sue-Anne and I in the midst of a midnight dorm feast and you made us eat all our JuJubes with sour cream and onion chip dip!
-- Joyce Ling, '76
I was extremely sad to learn about Miss Addidon death. I do wish to say that I did enjoy working under Miss Addison whom I respected for her fairness, her dedication to her profession. She was a great inspiration while I was teaching at Crofton House.
-- Marijo Bachr
