In Memoriam.ca - Always in our hearts

  • Linda Hawke lit a candle on 01/01/2016:
    "The world was a better place because you were in it dear Rose. An inspiration, a mentor in aging with grace and flare. Spreading fairy dust in your wake, we delighted in your presence. Rest in deep peace lovely Rose. We carry you forward in our hearts. Thank you Gary for all the love and care you lavished on your mother. Take good care, you are surrounded by love."

  • Carole and David Todd lit a candle on 12/29/2015:
    "David and I were so sorry to hear about your mum - thank you for letting us know. I rang Helen and we were both in tears talking about Rose. It was good to know that she was with you and in a place that she loved visiting. We all have wonderful memories of her and that wry humour of hers, the letters she sent to my mum were enjoyed and brought out to be read again and again. She used to ring me up, usually at Christmas and it was always a pleasure to hear her and to talk about what she had been up to. Once again we wish you the best and send our love, Carole-Anne & David"

  • Earl and Wendy Bean lit a candle on 12/29/2015:
    "Wendy and I are glad that you were able to be with Rose at the end - I know that she really was the love of your life and I know what its like not to have your mom in your corner anymore. Love Earl"

Light a Candle

To light a candle in memory of Rose Letitia Gallagher fill out this form:

 

Memorial Candle

Rose Letitia Gallagher

Rose Letitia Gallagher

  • Patricia Wood lit a candle on January 18th, 2016:
    "We have just learned of your passing, which seems not possible. You had an indomitable spirit, a boundless zest for life, and your wry humour always made us laugh. We shall truly miss you, Rose! Sincere condolences to all of Rose's family. ~ Patricia, Daniel and Sarah Wood/Gagnon "

  • Pernilla Gallagher lit a candle on January 10th, 2016:
    "Thank you Rose. Raya is nine years old and can immediately tell that Chandra’s face looks different. She wraps her arms around me and I tell her about how Rose got pneumonia while in Mexico and died early that morning. “Dad needs a moment to let it sink in” I say. She nods and adds. “She lived for a very long time”. We talk about this for a long time, how incredibly lucky she has been to have lived such a long and colourful life, experiencing so much beauty in this world. We talk about Rose’s love for animals and music. We talk about her travels to Mexico in the winter and Regina beach in the summer. We talk about what a strong will and determination Rose had, and how courageous she was – to go on adventures all her life. “She never got to read my card, Raya sighed”. A few weeks before I had sat down with Raya and helped her write her first card ever in English. It was for Rose. Since we were told about how slow Mexican mail was we decided to keep it and send it by mail or show it on Skype on Christmas. Now it was too late. “But it felt really good to write it…it’s so hard to spell sweet in English. We don’t have any double ees and it sounds like an I, but that’s the word I thought of. I think Great Grandma is very, very sweet….and lucky…Raya concluded. Later that day we lit a candle for Sweet grandma Rose and gave thanks for the long life she had lived. We will do so again this afternoon – and be with you all in spirit. Thank you so much Rose, for all you have given to me and our children. And thank you for showing and teaching them all that strength, courage and determination you expressed in so many aspects of your life. We are so grateful to have had you in our life and remember you with a big smile"

  • Chandra Gallagher lit a candle on January 10th, 2016:
    "I have a fond affection for little people. It strikes me deeply that many of those I trusted in years later were of short stature. It is not surprising that my Grandmother was a member of this club. It is strange to write such a benign comment but there is a deeper meaning to it. I built a stronger trust in most all women that were short. I think it has to with that they had to be that much more concise or have a tongue that struck deeper even after the words had gone silent. My grandmother was such a woman. My Grandmother was someone I had immense trust in. I was always comfortable to be in her presence. I drove a very long way, Guatemalan border to 58 Langley St., when I was 21 to be her and Larry at Christmas. It felt like they would be most in need of family at Christmas that year. I am soo glad that we had those days together. It was a memory of being there for them the same way they were there for me so many summers and holidays when I grew up. They always said how much they looked forward to seeing me. That is something special. When you hear over and over again that you are wanted. It sounds so simple but they made me feel it. It is not easy to grow old. It is hard to watch yourself fade from distinction, from being the center of a driving force. To being a bystander of life. Retirement is not always cheery when it lasts for more than 25 years. That is how long it took me to be born, educated and finally move out, to put that in perspective. It makes it all the more special that Mexico became an annual migration. It was the richest social life she had been part of in decades. So thank you everyone who made that a possibility. Because really, that is what Rose loved most, to laugh, to be around people, have a drink and share a story or two. I will miss my Rose, my grandmother and her caring embrace. "

  • Barry Balog lit a candle on January 2nd, 2016:
    "What a great slideshow, it brought so many memories of times spent with mama Rosita in her winter home. She could work a table anywhere and leave that table with new friends. She will always have a seat of honor at every beach table she worked. Going to miss you Rose...Love Eagle"

  • Helen Kennedy lit a candle on January 2nd, 2016:
    "Dear Garry, I am so upset that your dear mother and my very dearest cousin has died. It was a great blessing that you were with her, able to hold her hand and give her so much care and love. I am thinking of you and the sorrow you must be feeling, but also the joy that that you and so many lovely friends were with her in her last days. Rose was such an amazing person, full of charisma and bucket loads of charm. She had tiny shoes and no one will ever be able to fill them, I know I will miss her deeply. l will never forget our visit to Buckingham Palace to see the exhibition of the Queen's dresses. I asked the palace to provide a wheelchair for Rose, which they did. Wow, did Rose get the VIP treatment, the footmen ushered her through the red rope cordons (the hoi polloi were not allowed through, except me because I was pushing the wheelchair). I think they thought I was a lowly member of Duchess Rose's staff. She was even taken up in the lift to use the palace loo! Things did take a turn for the worse after the tour ended. We visited the gift shop, Rose was so excited by the royal goodies for sale, she rose from the wheelchair and ran around the shop like a three year old. The shop staff were astounded! I had to whisper in her ear that she was in the wheelchair because she couldn't walk far. However, Rose managed to buy a jigger emblazoned with the Queen's crest. Love and big hugs from Helen x x"

  • Ruben Flores lit a candle on January 2nd, 2016:
    "Dear Garry I'm so sorry to hear that Rose passed. Please accept my condolences. Rose was a very wonderful lady we will always remember her. Ruben and Sara"

  • Linda Hawke lit a candle on January 1st, 2016:
    "The world was a better place because you were in it dear Rose. An inspiration, a mentor in aging with grace and flare. Spreading fairy dust in your wake, we delighted in your presence. Rest in deep peace lovely Rose. We carry you forward in our hearts. Thank you Gary for all the love and care you lavished on your mother. Take good care, you are surrounded by love."

  • Kathie Schutta lit a candle on January 1st, 2016:
    "Dear Cousin Garry... I can't tell you in words how deeply our family is feeling the loss of Rose...we all loved her so much... She was a spitfire; a glorious being of light, energy and wit...such a delight to be with, and even more of an honour for those of us who were blessed to know her as family...and what a beautiful picture of her! Sending deep heartfelt love and even deeper condolences... Kathie"

  • Dona Stobert lit a candle on December 30th, 2015:
    "Dear Garry, what is there to say? The tears flow. I lit a candle. She was a constant, my Dear Mama un-in-law. I guess its over when the tiny little old woman recites poetry! Grace that you were with her. Mama Rosita has left the premises via Mexico that she so loved. I have felt sad all day but not knowing, now I do. I really thought she would hang around for her 90th! Tonight the moon and my heart weep for a great Dame. Love is All."

  • Nina Wyrostok lit a candle on December 29th, 2015:
    "Thank you for sharing such an intimate and precious story with us. Your Mother’s departure sounds as lovely, gracious and purposeful as her presence must have been. We know that she was truly a Lady in the sense that was once so valued but increasingly lost to us. We are so grateful that you are completely surrounded by love and care. We are there with you in Spirit. Nina"

  • Debbie Jordan lit a candle on December 29th, 2015:
    "Oh Garry! We are so sorry but so glad that her passing was smooth! It sounds like you were with her and that is wonderful for both of you. You were a great son to her and she was a special lady! She left her mark and she will be missed. All our love! Deb and John"

  • Brenda Buss lit a candle on December 29th, 2015:
    "Oh Garry, Rose was such a gal and an inspiration for others including myself! She had such spunk and joie de vivre and although small in frame she was grand in character. You will miss her immensely and I'm wishing you wonderful memories to soften the edges of your sorrow and to keep tucked away in the folds of your heart. You gave the beautiful gift of travelling the final leg of her Earth's journey with her, providing comfort and allowing her to slip away knowing she was deeply loved. Hope you can feel the love and hugs tucked into this email"

  • Vicki G lit a candle on December 29th, 2015:
    "Such sad news, but comforting that you were with her and she died peacefully. Thank you for letting us know. We just got back from Calgary last night (there for Christmas with our son and family). I went over to Mom’s today to tell her. That was hard to do and has deeply saddened Mom and I. At least Mom and Rose had two good visits before she left for Vancouver. Amazing they have been able to remain friends for eighty some years (since grade two they tell me). When I took Rose over to see Mom in late spring they were so happy to see one another and you could definitely feel it in the room. Foreheads together and holding hands. Rose emailed me in December and said how happy she was to be back in Mexico. She certainly loved going to Mexico and seemed to have a great time there. I have many a fond memory of family gatherings with our family and your mom and dad. I was sorry to miss your dad’s Celebration of Life, but we were on holiday in the Maritimes. On behalf of the Fuller Family, I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Take care Garry. Sincerely, Vicki G"

  • Ted and Kelly lit a candle on December 29th, 2015:
    "Thank you so much for the loving letter informing us of the passing of your mother, Rose, and thank you for including the beautiful picture of her in the restaurant in November. That picture encapsulates her as we knew her and brought back the many warm feelings that we shared with her. We are all glad that she was able to make her transition with peace and dignity and we extend our condolences and blessings to you in your time of mourning and loss. Love to you and please give mention of her friends at the Erwill Apartments in Vancouver during her Celebration of Life on January 10. Take care, Kelly, Ted, Violet and Natalie."

  • Rhema C lit a candle on December 29th, 2015:
    "What a beautiful tribute to Rose. It's lovely to hear again how much pleasure she gleaned from her time in Mexico and what a peaceful passing she experienced. She is very fortunate to have had you as such a loving, caring and attentive son. Rhema"

  • George and Barbara lit a candle on December 29th, 2015:
    "We were so saddened by the new of our dear Rose's passing. However, we are grateful that she enjoyed another stay in Mexico & didn't suffer for a long time. All our love & hugs of support, George & Barbara"

  • Judi Israel lit a candle on December 29th, 2015:
    " I am so sorry to hear about your loss and yet, from what you wrote, I can see that there were many blessings. It is precious that you were able to be with your mom, witness, what sound like, some amazing last day events, and observe her peaceful transition from this world. I am glad you have people around with whom to share this major life event. Sending love your way, Judi"

  • Deb Venables lit a candle on December 29th, 2015:
    "Thanks Garry, and thanks to your mom for raising you - she is blessed and conferred blessings. How sweet for her to be able to transition in such a great way, in her beloved Mexico surrounded by love, attended by you. I know how you feel to have had the honour of being present for the passing of your parent. It is one of life's treasures for sure, and so much (to me) like being present at a birth. A mystery. lots of love - lots of hugs Deb"

  • Pat Chambers lit a candle on December 29th, 2015:
    "My deepest sympathies Garry. The world has lost a beautiful lady. She was one of the best things about my move back to Regina. Thank goodness she got to go back to her beloved Mexico one last time. I will miss her very much. Pat"

  • Carole and David Todd lit a candle on December 29th, 2015:
    "David and I were so sorry to hear about your mum - thank you for letting us know. I rang Helen and we were both in tears talking about Rose. It was good to know that she was with you and in a place that she loved visiting. We all have wonderful memories of her and that wry humour of hers, the letters she sent to my mum were enjoyed and brought out to be read again and again. She used to ring me up, usually at Christmas and it was always a pleasure to hear her and to talk about what she had been up to. Once again we wish you the best and send our love, Carole-Anne & David"

  • Jan Turner lit a candle on December 29th, 2015:
    "My sympathy for losing Rose. I am glad you were with her in these last hours. We will all miss her as she has been part of our lives all these years. It is comforting to know that she is at peace and had her last weeks in Mexico. Jan"

  • Janice Westlund lit a candle on December 29th, 2015:
    "We’re saddened and satisfied at the same time. She managed this final, most arduous journey with grace. No surprises there. (She’s somewhere else now ‘working the room’ with a sparkle and her wry smile). *****This is a great big hug until we can see you soon. J & D xo"

  • Murray Owen lit a candle on December 29th, 2015:
    "Garry our family is sad to hear the our little "Rose" has left us. She was always fun to be with and was never afraid to state her point of view. We will miss her dearly. Lot's of hugs from all of us and real hugs will be waiting for you when you get to Regina next. I am so glad that you were with her when she passed away. Take care of yourself. Love Murray,Joy, Vanessa and Shane"

  • john ince lit a candle on December 29th, 2015:
    "Sad to learn of Rose's passing. But glad it was peaceful and her last hours were happy. Wonderful that you were there for her, as you always were. My thoughts are with you. Your loving friend, John"

  • Sue and Bryan Elliott lit a candle on December 29th, 2015:
    "We are so sorry to hear that Rosita passed away. I had been thinking of her all week. Bryan and I made a special trip to Armstrong to pick up chocolates at Chocoliro for her birthday. We will miss her company in Mexico. We visited back and forth often, and she was always interesting company and so appreciative of any small thing we did for her. And oh so very careful to never outstay her welcome! Bryan and I wish you love and peace as you mourn Rosita's passing and celebrate her life. She was small but mighty. Love and hugs, Sue and Bryan"

  • Richard Kay and Gillian Maxwell lit a candle on December 29th, 2015:
    "Garry our hearts are with you - what a beautiful way to go. A Gift for you both. The candle is lite for Rosita Much love and eternal blessings Richard & Gillian "

  • Earl and Wendy Bean lit a candle on December 29th, 2015:
    "Wendy and I are glad that you were able to be with Rose at the end - I know that she really was the love of your life and I know what its like not to have your mom in your corner anymore. Love Earl"

  • Martin and Monica Castle lit a candle on December 29th, 2015:
    "Thanks for making us aware of the loss of your dear mother and friend to us. As you know we have known Rose for decades, for me this is part of an end to an era, for Rose and Larry have been part of my life for 50 plus years - close friends of my parents and the 'usual suspects'. We enjoyed many visits in the past few years and we know she thoroughly enjoyed her time in Mexico, thus a fitting locale. Our thoughts are with you as it certainly has been a tough year' Take care. M and M"

  • irene wallace lit a candle on December 28th, 2015:
    "Remebering with love and affection my dear cousin Rose. We kept in contact even though we were miles apart. From all your Family in Bonnie Scotland Love always XX"

  • Martine Fichot lit a candle on December 28th, 2015:
    "Dear Rose, we met briefly but I recognized and admired the strong, independent woman that you were. I am left with good memories and also gratitude for your having brought Garry into the world. Love surround you, Martine"

  • Deborah Sim lit a candle on December 28th, 2015:
    "Dear Garry, I am so glad that you were able to be with your Mom during her transition and offer her the comforts that only her precious child could provide. I never got around to tell you but your Mom called me one night from your house the week before she went to Mexico and we had a great chat. While she said she was going to miss all the great Regina neighbours and friends who were so essential to her independence these last years, she really articulated that Mexico was also her home, and she told me in very lovely detail all about her surprise birthday party last year, her suite with 3 beds and proudly said "and I even have a caregiver!" It is fitting that Rose made her transition while in Mexico – a place she loved that offered her empowerment with more than a hint of adventure, and the freedom of the warm tropical breezes. I'm sure Rose will be back North in spirit this Spring and will watch over you always – serene, grateful and at peace. "