Rose Mary Sarsfield

Rose Mary Sarsfield (née Richards)
May 14, 1945 – June 24, 2026

Peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, Rose Mary Sarsfield (née Richards), beloved wife of Brian Sarsfield of Almonte, Ontario, passed away at the age of 81.

Born in Almonte on May 14, 1945, Rose Mary was the daughter of the late Harry and Kate Richards. She grew up on the family farm on Bellamy Mills Road in Clayton, where she developed the strength, compassion, curiosity, and love of learning that would define her life.

Rose Mary was a gifted student, skipping two grades before attending Almonte High School, where she excelled academically. After graduating from Ottawa Teachers’ College, she began her teaching career in 1964 and went on to dedicate 28 years to elementary education.

During summer studies at the University of Ottawa, Rose Mary met the love of her life, Brian Sarsfield. They married on August 21, 1971, beginning a partnership rooted in faith, family, education, and service. Together, they taught in Montreal, Cardiff, and the Ottawa Valley, ultimately returning to Rose Mary’s family farm, where they raised their three children.

Rose Mary was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and advocate. She was especially passionate about integrated education and ensuring that children with disabilities were welcomed, supported, and valued. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to many years of loving care for her special needs son, Derek.

In retirement, Rose Mary found joy in gardening, genealogy, and time spent with those she loved. She will be remembered for her kindness, strength, compassion, faith, intelligence, and beautiful smile.

Rose Mary was the much-loved mother of Erin Sarsfield of Ottawa, Bradley (Annie) Sarsfield of Seattle, Washington and the proud grandmother of Caitlin, Liam, and Hannah Sarsfield. She was predeceased by her beloved son, Derek Sarsfield (1986-2006), with whom she is now reunited.

Friends may call at the Barker Funeral Home & Chapel, 19 McArthur Ave, Carleton Place ON, K7C 2W1, on July 9th, 2026, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m.  A Funeral Mass celebrating Rose Mary’s life will be held at St. Mary’s Church, 28 Hawthorne Ave, Carleton Place on Friday, July 10th 2026, at 10:00 a.m.  Internment will be held at St. George’s Cemetery, Bowland Road in Clayton ON.

The family kindly requests that guests refrain from wearing scented products.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated in memory of Rose Mary to the Almonte General Hospital - Fairview Manor Foundation, supporting the Rosamond unit. 

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