This notice is published in memory of Elin "Rosemary" Capell, a long-time Chemistry Lab instructor at the Kelowna campus.
Rosemary began her career at Okanagan University College (OUC) in 1986. She retired from OUC in July, 2005.
"Rosemary was a brilliant chemist, highly organized, very intelligent and especially caring - the students all loved her and she was respected by everyone in the chemistry department," says OC chemistry professor Roberta Massey. "Rosemary was an amazing colleague who was instrumental in the planning and organization of the chemistry lab spaces for the then new North Campus of OUC that opened in 1993."
"When I first started at OC (1991), Rosemary shared all of her lab notes with me and allowed me to sit in her lab lectures to learn what to say to the students and how to teach them," adds Massey, who was one of three recipients to receive the 2020 Teaching Excellence awards at the College's Employee Excellence event.
Retired OC chemistry professor Sandra Kenefick met Rosemary during her first day at OUC in 1995 and enjoyed a close-knit working relationship with Rosemary that turned into a lifelong friendship.
"Rosemary was an extremely caring and generous person but I remember her infectious sense of humour more than anything else," notes Kenefick. "She was also patient, considerate and helpful with her students and colleagues and was particularly knowledgeable in the chemistry lab. She could always be relied upon as the first person to offer a helping hand, sharing her time and experience without hesitation."
"Rosemary will be fondly remembered and sadly missed."
A celebration of life will be held to honour Rosemary at a later date. Please contact the family if you would like more information.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/capell-elin-rosemary