Biography contributed by Bernadette Siebert
Rosalina Le Roy was born in 1870 in Parnell, Auckland, one of the eight children of early settlers Emilius Le Roy and his wife Catherine Tabel, originally from Guernsey, Channel Islands. Emilius was a sailmaker who joined the Royal Navy before settling in Auckland in 1850. He established a sail making business in the town, as well as operating a schooner between Sydney and Auckland.
Rosalina lived with her parents at the house in Salisbury Street, Parnell. She remained there, with her other unmarried sister Eva Blanche until after her mother died in 1904 and father in 1906. When Emilius died, he left Rosalina and sister Eva 10 shillings a week each, until their deaths, as long as they remained unmarried. And they were given the house in Salisbury Street where they lived. 'The fire insurances, rates and taxes were to be paid by them out of monies they may receive by letting part of the house'. The sisters stayed in the house until Eva married in 1909.
The siblings probably sold then, as Rosalina moved to Devonport on the North Shore. 1911 at Waterview Road and by 1928 at Lytton Street. No occupation for Rosalina was listed for her in the electoral rolls. She was involved in the Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) and meetings were held in her house in Devonport.
Rosalina died in July 1935 at her home in Lytton Street aged 64. 'The usual monthly meeting of the Birkenhead branch, of the W.C.T.U. was held' at Mrs. Berry's residence, … opened with devotions, after which, feeling reference was made to the loss the union had sustained in the sudden death, of Miss Le Roy, treasurer for many years.' She was buried with her parents at Purewa Cemetery. Her name is inscribed on their headstone. Her will left everything to her sister Eva Blanche Handby.
R Le ROY is the sister-in-law of 380 S Jane LE ROY Great Barrier
Sources
Aotea Great Barrier Island historic heritage survey
Birth certificate (sighted)
PAPERS PAST Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 159, 8 July 1935, Page 10
Archway probate Emilius