February 13, 1932 – December 11, 2015
Rose is lovingly remembered by friends and family who cherish the welcome they received whenever they visited. Her home was always open to friends, neighbours and family for coffee, a work-bee, or a spontaneous supper.
She was known for her wit and practicality and her deep reservoir of humour and common sense. Those close to her always depended on her ability to see a situation clearly and “call them as she sees them.”
Rose struck out from the family farm in White Fox, Saskatchewan on an adventurous path, first obtaining secretarial training in Saskatoon. Work took her first to Toronto where she surprised her whole family by getting her pilot’s license. She then worked in Vancouver until her sister Olga invited her to join her in Australia. It was there that she met the love of her life, Noel Thomas. The pair married in 1957 in Geelong, Australia and settled in Victoria, BC, and later the Comox Valley to raise their three boys along the Brown’s River.
Gardening and preserving the harvest were constant sources of pleasure for Rose. She loved to sing and play piano, particularly with her three sisters. Her love of history and reading gave her a broad perspective on the world that she brought to her conversations. She was always active and loved walking and beachcombing.
Rose was a loving and loyal wife to Noel. She admired Noel’s musical skill and frequently travelled with him as he performed on his trumpet with several jazz bands. They worked together on many projects, starting early in their marriage as storekeepers in Australia and through to their retirement from the financial services sector. Noel passed on in 2012.
She shared her love, affection, and wisdom richly with her children and grandchildren. All will cherish her gifts of attention, counsel, and generosity.
Rose will be deeply missed by her sons, Glenn, Grant, and Greg and grandchildren Myles, Jake, Mackenzie, Tara, Lori, and Ben. She is predeceased by brother Harry and survived by siblings Gerry Shatula, Mary (Kirkwood), Olga (Earney), and Stella (McBain).
Memorial donations can be made to the Salvation Army. A memorial will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 21, 2015 at the Comox Valley Funeral Home, 1101 Ryan Road in Courtenay.