A TALENTED sportswoman who played for Exmouth Hockey Club has died. Rosemary Goodridge died suddenly on Monday, February 22.

A TALENTED sportswoman who played for Exmouth Hockey Club has died.

Rosemary Goodridge died suddenly on Monday, February 22. She was found at her home in Bovey Tracey by a colleague after she failed to turn up for work at Ivybridge Community College.

The 52-year-old was capped 16 times by the England ladies squad, making her debut on September 12, 1982, in a 4-1 win over Belgium.

Joan Treece, who was at Exmouth Hockey Club when Rosemary first joined as a 13-year-old, said everyone at the club was shell shocked by the news.

"I was totally devastated. I had to ring a number of people to confirm she had died because I couldn't believe it. I still find it difficult to believe.

"She achieved so much with her hockey, both locally and at an international level which is why so many people around the world have been saddened by the news.

"She was a fantastic player and had a glittering hockey career. She was just so enthusiastic and a fantastic person - an example to everybody."

Rosemary worked as the head of the PE department at Ivybridge Community College.

She played for Devon at junior and senior levels, the West of England, England and Great Britain.

Rosemary was in the 1983 World Cup squad in Kuala Lumpar where England finished 5th.

She was a loyal and supportive member of the Rambling Roses, for ex-England players.

Known to many as Roey, she recently turned down the invitation to play for the Wembley Legends at the Women's Champions Trophy in July, feeling that there were too many others who should play.

Her funeral will take place next Thursday, March 11, at Woodbury Parish Church at 2.15pm.

READER TRIBUTES:

I was stunned to read Roey has died. I remember her joining Exmouth Ladies Hockey Club all those years ago. It was always so comforting to know that if I, or others, failed to stop the opposition on the half back line, Roey would be there at the back to do the job for us! I haven't seen her for many a long year but her fresh young face, full of enthusiasm for her sport is so vivid in my mind. Rest In Peace, Rosemary.

Jane Northam (nee Tucker)