Rose Paterson (née Rosemarie Louise Paterson, née Berkeley; 2 September 1956 – 23 June 2020) was a British Conservative Party politician and fundraiser. She was the chair of the Conservative Party's fundraising board and a member of the Board of Trustees of the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Paterson also served as a Deputy Lieutenant of Cumbria.
Early life and education
Born Rosemarie Louise Berkeley in 1956, she was educated at St Mary's School, Ascot, and later attended the University of Bristol, where she earned a degree in politics.
Career
- Political fundraising: Paterson held senior roles within the Conservative Party's fundraising operations, notably serving as chair of the party's fundraising board from 2015 until her death. In this capacity, she oversaw the party's major donor initiatives and events.
- Public service: She was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Cumbria in 2014, representing the Crown at local ceremonies and supporting civic duties.
- Heritage work: Paterson served on the Board of Trustees of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, contributing to decisions on funding for heritage projects across the United Kingdom.
Personal life
Rose Paterson married Sir Nicholas Paterson, a barrister and former Chairman of the UK Infrastructure Bank. The couple had three children.
Death
Paterson died on 23 June 2020 in a mountaineering accident while climbing in the French Alps. Her death was reported by multiple reputable news outlets, confirming the circumstances as a tragic accident.
Legacy
Paterson was recognized for her contributions to political fundraising and heritage preservation. Following her death, tributes highlighted her dedication to public service and her impact on the Conservative Party's financial operations.
