Obituary of Mary Rose (nee Medwyduk)

Peacefully on December 12, 2021 at the age of 93. Mary faced life with a deep faith, quiet strength, and a spirit of gratitude. She had a perennial smile and words of kindness until her final days.  Predeceased in March 2010 by her beloved husband of close to 60 years, William (Bill) Rose.  Precious Mother to Deborah (Mark Rowett) and Shelley (Maurice Lavigne). Treasured Grandma “Deedee” to Tamara Dawit (Ashu Kersma), Rebecca Rowett (Justin Malerba), Vanessa Rowett, Tyson Loney (Rio Azam), Caroline Lavigne (great-granddaughter Ariana Lavigne) and Andrew Lavigne. 

The middle child in her family of origin in Winnipeg, Mary moved with Bill to Toronto when Bill’s newspaper job with the Free Press took them to the Toronto Telegram when their family was young. Mom was deeply loved by her cherished siblings and their spouses: late George (late Gertrude) Medway, late Dr. Bill (late Carol) Medway , late Louise (late Jim) Slezak , Ann (Ron) Pratt , Kathleen Lambert (late Jack Reinbold) and Peter (late Judy) Medwyduk. 

Mary had loving relationships with and a special place in the hearts of Bill’s sister Clara Margaret Rose Ouellette (late Eugene) and his late brother Major John Rose (Maureen) – all eventually Ottawa-based. She will also be missed by Tyson’s father, David Loney.  Mary also had affectionate relationships with her many nieces and nephews in the East and West, who will fondly remember her. 

Mom was so proud of her time working at Radio Station CKRC in Winnipeg as their advertising “traffic coordinator”, which led to her meeting Winnipeg Free Press photographer Bill Rose on a special assignment.  Thereafter, Bill, Deborah and Shelley became the focus of her life.

Mary was an active volunteer throughout her life in Winnipeg, Toronto and Ottawa including as a Brown Owl and Grey Owl with Girl Guides of Canada, a coordinator with Meals on Wheels, with Project 4000 to settle Vietnamese refugees, helping in school libraries and many other volunteer organizations and projects. She was always active in her church communities, serving with the United Church Women (UCW) and on many committees, most recently at Nepean’s Knox United Church for over 40 years.

Always appreciative of her school and work friends in Winnipeg, and social networks in Toronto and Ottawa, Mom nurtured and treasured friendships old and new at all stages of her life.  She especially appreciated the enduring companionship of her long-time tennis friends in Ottawa. 

Many thanks to the caring staff at New Orchard Lodge who always had a smile and encouragement for Mary. A special thanks to Rev. Andrew Jensen of Knox Church for his visits and comforting words over the past months.

A celebration of Mary's life will be held at Knox United Church 25 Gibbard Avenue, Nepean, Ontario in Spring 2022 with inurnment of both Mary and Bill thereafter at the Rose family site at Pinecrest Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, a donation to The Kidney Foundation of Canada, The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or any act of kindness in Mary's memory would be appreciated by the family.