Friends of Music’s Vera Dubin pays tribute to a very dear friend, mentor and supporter of classical music:

I knew Roseline for many years, she was a most caring person, always willing to help the underdog. Also a very spiritual person who enjoyed her religion.

When I met Roseline she was a lecturer in music at the University of Natal and often delivered talks at the Friends of Music pre-concert lectures for the KZNPO orchestra. She was very interested in promoting young musicians, especially the disadvantaged, and often called me to listen to some of these talented musicians.

I attended the ceremony where Roseline received her Doctorate in Music. Her knowledge of music in general, and Shoenberg in particular, was awesome. She spent a whole afternoon explaining his twelve tone system to me.

She assisted Friends of Music by proof-reading our programmes and her suggestions were always valid. Even when she was so ill, she still gave me some excellent ideas. We had a meeting with Mrs Loppert about establishing an opera school at the University of KZN and thought it would never take off – how wrong we were.

Roseline and I attended many recitals, flea markets and antique fairs together, her interests were wide. She loved music, the sea, the colour green and people, who loved her in return, drawn by her warmth, intelligence and genuine goodness.

She has a very closely knit family who were wonderful – nurturing to the end. Her funeral was attended by a very large number of people, who came all the way from Pretoria, and even London, to show their respect for a very special lady.

We all miss her, I miss her and loved her a lot. May her dear soul rest in peace. – Vera Dubin