Rosamond T. Harper  "Mum"

born March 22, 1909      died Dec. 26, 2005. 

The following text was taken from a newspaper article posted in New Zealand after "Mum's" death

 Mountaineer Rosamond Harper was born into a prominent Canterbury family. She was the great-granddaughter of Bishop Henry John Chitty Harper, first Bishop of Christchurch, granddaughter of Leonard Harper, who crossed the Southern Alps in 1857, and daughter of noted mountaineer Arthur Paul Harper CBE.

    Harper continued the family tradition of significant mountaineering achievements. She died recently in the United States, aged 96.

    Her father, who introduced her to climbing, was a legendary figure in mountaineering, in New Zealand and abroad.

    Her early life was spent at her family's property, The Hill, in Wellington. It was thought unnecessary for the daughters of the "affluent" to gain qualifications as they were expected to marry and devote their lives to family and home.

    For her first alpine experience, at age 17 in 1926, she climbed Mildred Peak from the West Coast side with her father and Norman Blakiston. They crossed to the Tasman Glacier and reached the Hermitage. On the fourth day they set out for the Copland Pass and completed the trip down the Copland River.

    When British Secretary of State for the Dominions L. S. Amery visited New Zealand in 1927, he asked A. P. Harper and Peter Graham to accompany him on a climbing trip. Rosamond was invited to join the party. They climbed from the Hermitage to the Ball Hut, then on to the King Memorial Hut (Haast Hut). They then climbed Glacier Dome and returned to the Ball Hut. They next headed for the old Malte Brun Hut, ascended the Minarets, then climbed down to Grahams Saddle, traversed the Franz Joseph Glacier and carried on to Waiho Gorge.

    A 1928 trip with her father and others qualified Harper as a full member of the New Zealand Alpine Club. They went from the Hermitage to the Mueller Hut, up the Mueller Glacier, over Fifes Pass at the head of the glacier, down the Spence Glacier and into the Landsborough, up McKerrow Glacier, over the Karangarua Saddle and down the Karangarua River to the coast. This trip proved difficult in soft snow and with glacier shrinkage swelling the river.

    Rosamond Harper became the third generation of her family to achieve full membership of a properly formed alpine club. This was thought to be the first time this had been achieved.

    In 1934, Harper and friends Betsy Blunden and Lella Davidson became the first all-women party to climb Mount Sefton. They ascended from the West Coast side, packing all their gear. The expedition involved much steep cutting and difficult work among the huge crevasses on the neve of the Douglas Glacier. It roused great interest in alpine circles internationally and drew congratulations from many quarters.

    Christchurch climber Norman Hardie, in The Canterbury Mountaineer, called it a remarkable climb and an outstanding achievement. It was "an eye opener and an inspiration", Hardie said.

    Harper worked as a guide at the Hermitage before she met and married Selwyn Hadfield, in 1936. He, too, came from a prominent family, as grandson of Octavius Hadfield, Bishop of Wellington and third Anglican Primate of New Zealand, and great-grandson of missionary Henry Williams, who drafted the Treaty of Waitangi.

    The couple lived on a tobacco farm at Motueka until their marriage ended. With her young children to look after and no qualifications, Harper drew on her pride, determination and love for her children.

    She turned her hand to many jobs, including tram conductor, secretary and cook. She drove trucks for the American forces in Wellington during World War 2. She part-owned a restaurant. She made sure her children were always well fed, housed and educated. She gave them interesting and educational holidays among her beloved mountains.

    Her inquiring mind and endless thirst for new experiences and ideas led her, in the 1950s, to head several times to England and America.

    She lived at Bethell's Beach, Auckland, for a time, to be close to her son and his family. Eventually she returned to America to be with her daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

    Family members say she always did her best to care for them in difficult circumstances, even working at three jobs a day to earn a living.

    She had a life-long love of learning and was always reading and listening to tapes in what spare time she had. She even attended university in Columbus, Georgia, in her 80s, to continue her education.

    She was an excellent tennis player and sportswoman. She took grandchildren on camping and hiking trips in the Appalachians in her 70s, teaching them to love the mountains as she did. Even in her 80s, she was known as the "old woman" who could walk further and faster than anyone else.

    Rosamond Mary Templer Harper; born Christchurch, March 22, 1909; died Columbus, Georgia, United States, December 26, 2005. Survived by son Mike, daughters Sue and Heather, five grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

My grandmother lived a very exciting life. 

She inspired many people to explore, question, and expand their lives. 

The photos below have been sent to me by various members of the family.

Mum is the girl with the hat holding the saw... at about age 10

Mum skiing with son Mike & daughter Sue.

Mum on one of her climbs in the New Zealand mountains.

This is my grandmother taking my brother & me hiking in the Smokey Mountains when I was about 10!

More photos of Mum...

Three generations... Mum with daughter Sue and granddaughter Susan.

Link to Mum's online obituary:  http://www.legacy.com/ledger-enquirer/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=16280124

Rosamond Mary Templar Harper December 26, 2006 COLUMBUS, GA— Rosamond Mary Templar Harper, 96, died peacefully in her sleep on Monday, December 26, 2005 at the Muscogee Manor Nursing Home in Columbus, GA. Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, Mrs. Harper was the daughter of Arthur Paul Harper C.B.E. and Marion Florence Campbell Harper. A longtime member of the New Zealand Alpine Club, Rosamond loved the mountains and was one of a team of three women to make the first all woman ascent of Mt. Sefton in the Southern Alps of NZ. She spent several years as a mountain guide before her marriage to Selwyn Hadfield in 1937. Rosamond had an adventerous spirit, a zest for life, and a love of learning that she passed to her family and friends. Survivors include her three children and their spouses, Mike and Pat Hadfield of Fairlie, New Zealand, Sue and Paul Sutcliff of Midland, Georgia, and Heather Booth of Auckland, NZ.; five grandchildren and their spouses; Ed and Paige Sutcliff of Statesboro, GA., Mike and Susan Sutcliff of Alpharetta, GA., Susan and Forrest Jones of Denver, Colorado, Chris and Deia Sutcliff of Perry, GA.; and Julie Hadfield of Albury, NZ. Rosamond is also survived by eleven great-grand children. Rosamond was preceeded in death by her siblings, Tristram Harper, John S. Harper, Leonard Harper, and Joan Maturin. The family will hold a private celebration of Mrs. Harper's life at a later date. Visit www.striffler-hamby.com to sign the guest registry.

Link to Mum's online guest book:  http://www.legacy.com/ledger-enquirer/Guestbook.asp?Page=GuestBook&PersonID=16280124

Comments left at the guestbook:

March 28, 2006      Susan Jones (Denver, CO)

I was privelaged to be one of MUM's granddaughters. She taught me the meaning of so many things in life by just simply living her convictions every day. She loved totally, argued fiercly, and lived with fervor. I don't think MUM ever wasted a day of her life. She always had a purpose, even when others thought she was crazy. She blessed my life by being a part of it, and making me feel as though she was the lucky one. She passed along her love of the outdoors to me by taking me hiking and camping. I now do those things with my own children. She passed along her insistance that women can do whatever they want to do, and her annoying habit of questioning EVERYTHING!!!! These examples she set have served me well so far........I recently dreamed that MUM came to visit me, and she was very healthy and happy. She was visiting all her family and friends, and was so happy to see that we were all doing well. She always told me she would let me know that she was O.K. after she died, and I believe she did just that. I wanted to wait until I could write this without crying, but I guess I should have waited longer. I will always keep you in my heart, and your sprit in my life.....I miss you - Susie-pip  

February 3, 2006      Charlotte Kennedy (Columbus, FL )

Rosamond was a wonderful friend of mine for many years. When I met her, I was ill with chronic fatigue syndrome and other ills. Rosamond kept me supplied with tapes and books, and literally inundated me with knowledge about health!  Our interest grew from health to metaphysics and beyond. It never ceases to amaze me at all of the things I've read in the last years, and recognized them as facts I learned from Rosamond many years earlier! She truly was "ahead of her time" as so many writers have said! She will be missed by many people, including me!

January 28, 2006     Patricia Montarella (Columbus, GA )  

Rosamond was my friend. My youngest son, John, introduced me to Rosamond while he was volunteering at Muscogee Manor. He asked if I would play the piano for her. What I thought would be a casual visit turned out to be one of the richest blessings of my life.

Rosamond taught me the true meaning of friendship. Neither she nor I benefited materially or socially or in any business standings from our association with each other.. We never exchanged gifts of any great monetary value. We never went on expensive outings or attended newsworthy gatherings. We simply spent time together—visiting others, playing the piano and singing, sharing good books and newspaper and magazine articles, laughing with each other, and sharing the joys and concerns we had for our families.

Rosamond was a great example. Although some in her physical condition might be prone to indulge in self-pity, she rarely seemed to worry about her limitations. She often expressed concerned for “those poor people” in the Alzheimer’s unit. She appreciated every gesture of kindness done on her behalf, and she was quick to tell you what others had done for her. Although I knew she had a number of children and grandchildren, I never heard her brag about what she had done for them—only about their wonderful deeds and families. She was so excited about the successes of her children and grandchildren, and I was tickled to hear her tell about each new baby who arrived during our years of friendship.

Each visit began with the exclamation, “Oh! Is it really YOU?” Rosamond made me feel as if my visit were the most important event in her day. My tears are flowing as I picture that beautiful smile and those seemingly-clear, blue eyes! (She didn’t know it was me until I spoke.) Each visit ended with a hug and encouragement to “Give Larry and John my love.”

As my own father became seriously ill and faced death in 2005, Rosamond encouraged me to spend more time with him and my mother. I regret that this interfered with the regularity of my visits with Rosamond, but I appreciate her concern that I spend time with my own family during such a precious time.

Rosamond used to promise to come back to visit us after her death. That promise provoked some serious theological discussions—oh, how I will miss those sweet debates! One point upon which we agreed was that God had given us to each other—true friends.

There were a FEW occasions when I forced myself to visit Rosamond just because it was my usual time to go. Those were usually hard days at school in the middle of winter. I would drag myself out to Muscogee Manor. Within minutes of my arrival, my energy would start to build, and by the time I departed, I would be totally rejuvenated.

Rosamond made me feel special. She loved me, encouraged me, challenged me, but, more than anything else, she simply accepted me as I was and befriended me. Everyone should be so blessed to have such a friend in his life.

I have many friends, but no one will ever fill the hole in my heart left by Rosamond’s departure from this life.  

January 16, 2006      George & Hanneke Ware (Whittier, NC )  

I (George) will always remember Mrs Harper as the dynamic and vivacious person she was. I was honored that she permitted me call her "Mum."   

January 15, 2006     Mrs. Harold Thompson (GA )

I lead a Bible discussion in Columbus, GA for international women.
Rosamond went with me. She was transparent and always challenging. I loved her zest for life, her love for people especially children, and her forthrightness. Thank you Rosamond for enriching my life.   

January 14, 2006     Leo Harper (Auckland)

Rosamund was always light years ahead of her time.  Her ideas, considered way out at the time, are now increasingly being accepted as mainstream wisdom.
In her memory we should resolve to be more receptive to different approaches.   

January 14, 2006     Jean McKeem (Midland, GA )

I first knew of Mrs Harper when my husband was a resident at Muscogee Manor Nursing Home. I know she must have been an outstanding person. I am a friend of her daughter,Sue, and have heard stories of her life. It was a privlidge to have known her , if only for a short time. My prayers are for the family to remember all the wonderful memories they have of her.   

January 9, 2006     Ed Sutcliff  (Statesboro, GA)

I was Rosamond's oldest grandchild. She was a fearless woman who lived life to it's fullest. She was years ahead of her time. She climbed mountains, took my brother & I on hiking trips through the Smokey Mountains, and helped my mother raise four children during the years my father was away on various military assignments. "Mum" never accepted conventional wisdom on any subject, chosing instead to challenge herself and others with constant questioning of the status quo. She yearned for knowledge. So much so that she attended classes at Columbus State University when she was in her 70's. Many a college student (and professor) found themselves looking at issues from a new perspective after hearing a 75 year old offering her thoughts on the topic of the day. I'm glad my children got to meet their great-grand mother... and I"m glad I was fortunate enough to live in a family where her knowledge, skills, and experience were valued and shared.
 

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