Rosie could certainly lay claim to being a Maitland netball institution with 47 years of service to the sport and her five daughters and five granddaughters regulars on the Maitland Park courts.

Diagnosed with cancer in February, Rosie, of East Maitland, put up a great fight but lost her battle with the disease on August 11. She passed away in the Mater Hospital at the age of 74.

Rosie was born in Maitland Hospital and was raised at Fishers Hill, Vacy until she moved to the East Maitland area after marrying Terry Bieman. Sadly Terry passed away in 2001.

Rosie was heavily involved in her community and netball was her passion. She was instrumental in keeping West Rutherford Telarah Netball Club (WRTNC) together in the 1990's when it looked like the club may fold.

She worked tirelessly along with other committee members in rejuvenating the club and thanks to her efforts WRTNC is thriving. The club rewarded her with life membership and in 1997 as recognition for her time and effort in the netball community, she was also recognised with life membership of Maitland Netball Association.

A few years later Rosie's daughter Carolyn joined Rosie as a life member for Maitland Netball and together they became the first mother and daughter to hold the prestigious title.

But netball wasn't her only sporting passion. "Mum had a love of all sports especially the sports her grandchildren were involved in which included netball, cricket, football, rugby league, basketball and touch football," Carolyn said. She also loved her gardening and was a master at knitting and crocheting.

According to her children Rosie would want to be remembered for her kind and loving personality and her involvement in the netball community.

"She had a generous, loving heart and cared and supported many people. Mum was a loyal friend her smile will be missed and her family was her everything," the girls said.

She is survived by her daughters Julie, Annmaree Jeanette Carolyn, Katrina, 13 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.