Rosemary Pitman was a fascinating woman who, though not often in the public eye, had an interesting and full life. Many people know her as the second wife of Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles, but she was much more than that. Rosemary was a skilled garden designer, loved horses, and was a caring mother. In this article, we’ll explore her life, her passions, and the mark she left on those who knew her. Let’s learn more about this remarkable woman.
Who Is Rosemary Pitman?
Rosemary Pitman, later known as Rosemary Parker Bowles, was a British woman born on January 19, 1940, in Northumberland, UK. She was the daughter of Robert Dickinson and Alice Barnett.
Rosemary is best known for her marriage to Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles, the former husband of Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. But there’s much more to her story than just her famous marriage.
Rosemary was a talented garden designer who worked in London and was very involved in village life in Wiltshire. She also had a deep passion for horses and loved riding.
Rosemary Pitman Early Life & Family
In 1961, Rosemary married her first husband, Lieutenant-Colonel Hugh Pitman. Together, they had three children: Henry, William, and Thomas.
Hugh was actually a descendant of Sir Isaac Pitman, the man who invented the Pitman shorthand system. How fascinating is that?
Sadly, Rosemary and Hugh’s marriage ended in divorce in the mid-1970s, after they had settled in Foxley near Malmesbury. It was a difficult time, but Rosemary persevered.
Rosemary Pitman Career In Garden Design
After her divorce, Rosemary threw herself into her work as a professional garden designer. She had a real talent for it and worked on many beautiful gardens in London.
Later, when she moved to Wiltshire, Rosemary became very involved in village life there. She continued pursuing her passion for garden design and also enjoyed spending time with her beloved horses.
Riding was one of Rosemary’s favorite hobbies. There’s just something so freeing and exhilarating about being on a horse, isn’t there? It’s clear that horses brought Rosemary a lot of joy.
In 1996, Rosemary married Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles, not long after his divorce from Camilla Parker Bowles (now the Duchess of Cornwall). It was wonderful that Rosemary was able to find love again.
Sadly, in the early 2000s, Rosemary was diagnosed with breast cancer. She bravely underwent treatments like radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite the challenges of her illness, Rosemary stayed optimistic and continued enjoying her hobbies and spending time with family.
Married Life Of Rosemary Pitman
Rosemary’s romantic journey included two marriages. In 1961, she wed her first husband, Lieutenant-Colonel Hugh Pitman. Together, they had three sons: Henry, William, and Thomas.
The family settled in the charming village of Foxley near Malmesbury in the mid-1970s. However, Rosemary and Hugh’s union eventually ended in divorce.
In 1996, Rosemary found love again with Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles. Interestingly, Andrew had previously been married to Camilla, now the Duchess of Cornwall. Rosemary and Andrew tied the knot just a year after his divorce from Camilla.
Rosemary Pitman Relationship With The Royal Family
Through her second marriage to Andrew Parker Bowles, Rosemary became connected to the British royal family. Andrew’s ex-wife Camilla went on to marry Prince Charles, the heir apparent to the British throne.
This link brought Rosemary into the same social circles as the royals. In fact, when Rosemary sadly passed away in 2010, both Princess Anne and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall attended her funeral and memorial service.
Their presence was a testament to the respect and affection Rosemary had earned over the years.
Professional Career Of Rosemary Pitman
Rosemary’s true calling was in the world of garden design. She cultivated a successful career, showcasing her talents in both London and Wiltshire.
In Wiltshire, Rosemary became a beloved figure, immersing herself in village life and sharing her gardening expertise with the community. Her passion for creating beautiful outdoor spaces was well-known and admired by all who knew her.
Alongside her love for gardening, Rosemary was an avid horse rider. She embraced the countryside lifestyle and found great joy in tending to her gardens and horses.
Death Of Rosemary Pitman
In the early 2000s, Rosemary faced a formidable challenge when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She met the disease with her characteristic grace and optimism, undergoing treatments like radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Despite the difficulties of her illness, Rosemary continued to find solace in her hobbies and cherished time with her family. She confronted her diagnosis with resilience and a determination to live life to the fullest.
Sadly, on January 10, 2010, Rosemary passed away at her home in Wiltshire at the age of 69. Her loved ones surrounded her in her final moments, providing comfort and support.
Rosemary’s funeral and memorial service celebrated her life and passions. The readings and themes centered around gardens, paying tribute to her lifelong love of nurturing beauty in the world around her.
Conclusion
Rosemary Pitman lived a life full of passion, kindness, and creativity. While she was known for her marriage to Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles, she was much more than that. She was a talented garden designer, a loving mother, and had a deep love for horses.
Even when faced with illness, Rosemary showed strength and grace. She made a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. Her life was a beautiful reflection of her love for family, nature, and the things that brought her joy.
