well done for doing your bit to improve the breed image!
i had a very similar problem...although my family were even scared of fern when she was a tiny puppy as the very mention of rottweiler terrified all of them!!! it used to really upset me but as they have seen how loving and well behaved and sweet she is they are slowly warming to her!!!! woo hoo! although it certainly is taking a lot of
PR on my part - constantly talking about how lovely she is, showing pictures, getting them to speak to people who had met her and showing off rossettes and certificates!
the only thing is it often seems like two steps forward and fern is welcome at the house for a visit and then there is a newspaper article about how evil rotts are and all of a sudden they are a bit wary again : (