I’m sure that many friends of The Forest Hermitage will be sorry to hear of the death on Thursday of Rosemary Alcock.
Before a long stay in hospital where she caught one of their infamous bugs, Rosemary had been a bright, cheerful, lively lady who brought so much fun into our lives. Her generosity was boundless and we often joked that if ever she heard or believed we needed or would like something at the factories producing it all leave would be cancelled and the staff would be put on overtime to meet her demands. After her health deteriorated she could only manage to get out here once a week but her sense of humour and plain speaking never left her and even in hospital she had some wicked things to say about the larger members of staff.
Her input here in years gone by was huge. She was a real diamond. And it’s been sad to see her fade but there it is that’s what we have to face and accept as we age and our bodies begin to fail.
Her last couple of months were spent in a home near Cambridge where she could be cared for and be close to her sister. There, at first, she brightened up and seemed much happier but the damage was done and by the time I saw her last Sunday she was very frail. She would have been eighty in December.
It’s been wonderful to have known her. Rosemary has brightened all our lives and I hope that through all the care she has lavished on others and all the good things she has done she will enjoy a favourable rebirth and in time come to know the secure peace of Nibbana.
News & Musings 
My wife Barbara & I were very sorry to hear of the passing of Rosemary who was such dedicated worker for Forest Hermitage. Barbara has fond memories of helping her in the kitchen during Angulimala meetings and well remembers her kindness & her astonishing energy. Rosemary will be sadly missed by both of us.
With Metta,
Brian & Barbara Pearce.
Luangpor kindly let me know of Rosemary’s passing away the morning after her death. I replied as follows:
It was with great sadness that I read your email this morning about dear Rosemary.
I had just read your blog about Prison Chaplains where you described them as “Diamonds”.
Rosemary was indeed herself a “Diamond” and showed me great kindness – wanting nothing in return.
Despite suffering pain throughout most of her life, she still had the ability to smile in the face of adversity.
To me she was a great example of a lay Buddhist – Generous, supportive of the Sangha, rarely complaining, especially kind and above all someone who brought a smile to my face and all the people she met.
I am saddened at her passing away and may she be blessed with a fortunate re-birth.
With Metta
Matt