Rosalyn Elise Burchell October 30, 1931 -- April 25, 2000 When Rosalyn Elise Burchell passed away suddenly on April 25, 2000, Bermuda lost an educator, an ardent worker, a sincere Christian, a friend to many people.

Rosalyn achieved success in her lifetime but she never lost sight of the "common touch''. I recall the occasion, when Rosalyn smiled and giggled, as she told me that she met one of her childhood playmates from the North Shore area of Pembroke, and he called her "Rosie Dilworth''. Rosalyn was thrilled not only because he remembered her, but mostly because she had the opportunity to share a few moments to reminisce.

At a young age, Rosalyn walked around carrying a nurse's kit. Her parents, Archibald Norman Stanley Dilworth and Hathnick Irene (Bert) Dill -- Dilworth anticipated there would be a nurse in the family. Financial problems however, caused Rosalyn to abandon the idea of nursing. Instead, she became a member of the St. John's Ambulance Brigade, while contemplating a career in education.

When Rosalyn was awarded a Government Scholarship to attend Hamilton Teachers College in Canada, this award unlocked the door which led to her success. She had chosen a career, which began as a Primary Specialist Teacher and culminated with 42 years service to the Ministry of Education. Rosalyn taught at the following schools: The Central School, which is now the Victor Scott, West Pembroke, Elliott, Francis Patton, and The Harrington Sound School. Later she became an Education Officer in the Ministry of Education, where she was responsible for curriculum development.

It was a delight for Rosalyn to get down on the floor to play with a child. At family gatherings we were all impressed by the intriguing gifts which Rosalyn brought along for the children. The talking parrot, the mooing cow, the quacking duck were only a few of the many teaching aids that she chose to help children discover their world.

Rosalyn toiled long and hard in the field of Education, always treasuring the poem "If'' by Rudyard Kipling, and using it as an incentive as she strove for upward mobility. The poem by St. Francis of Assisi was another one of her favourite poems. Rosalyn's concern for others and her willingness to serve in whatever way she could brought fulfilment in her life.

Roslayn was involved in many facets of Bermudian society. She will be remembered by the members of the North Shore Gospel Chapel, where she received her Christian training. In more recent years she became a member of The Wesleyan Methodist Church in Hamilton. It was here that she started the fourth Company of Boys' Brigade; was active with the United Church Women (affiliated with Wesley Methodist Church); and was a member of the Synod, where she held the position as Archivist.

She served on the Education Committee at the Bermuda Public Service Association; and also served as President of the Berkeley Institute Parent Teacher Association; and as President of the Amalgamated Bermuda Union of Teachers.

Rosalyn earned a BA from Queen's University (in Kingston, Canada); a Master's Degree in Human Relations from Webster University and a Master's Degree in Education from Miami University in Ohio.

Rosalyn Burchell's enthusiasm for education was an inspiration to many teachers. She worked assiduously as she coordinated a Master's Degree programme between Miami University in Ohio, and Bermuda. The graduates of this programme continue to express great praise for the vision and efforts of Mrs.

Burchell.

Travel was a hobby for Rosalyn. She and her husband Dudley enjoyed visits to England, Scotland, Wales, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, The Hawaiian Isles, Fiji, China, Scandinavia, Israel, Italy, Greece, The Caribbean, Canada, the US and Peru.

The wealth of experience that was gained on her many trips usually became educational lessons, which Rosalyn was happy to share with others, and I truly believe, that Rosalyn Elise Burchell would especially want these memories of her to be an inspiration for the youth to work together for a better Bermuda.

A funeral service was held on Saturday April 29, 2000 at the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Hamilton where numerous relatives and friends gathered to pay their last respects. Officiating was Rev. Joseph Manchester. The D.H.

Augustus Funeral Home oversaw the burial at Holy Trinity Church in Bailey's Bay. Rosalyn is survived by her husband Dudley, children Bettyanne and David, her grandchildren and numerous relatives and friends.

The bond that bound us together has been broken, but the faith, that will bind us together in heaven can never be broken.