News of her murder occurred the same day the national crime statistics were released and sent shock waves through the community.
Dowdle’s attacker, on the day of her murder, allegedly also stole her bakkie and got into a minor accident outside Craighall Primary School before jumping out the back and running away.
The gathering of people consisted of family, her son, who came back from England, grandson and a few close friends, who all joined in a short prayer and shared their memories of her as they held back tears.
She was characterised as a kind, gentle and caring individual.
Most of Dowdle’s immediate family live overseas or in other parts of the country.
The small ceremony coincided with the Wesleyan Church’s monthly market day, an event to which Dowdle was a regular.
The church has dedicated a corner of their gardens to the memory of Rosemary Dowdle. Herbs and flowers planted in the garden were donated by members of the local community.
