The Family of Rose Mill is sad to announce Mom's peaceful passing on the evening of Friday, 25 September 2020. Her latest fall was one from which she could not recover.
Mom was born in Edmonton, Alberta and moved to Port Arthur at a young age with her parents, three brothers and sister, settling in the family home on Jean Street. She often said the family was so poor they couldn't afford to give her a middle name.
Her Father worked at the Port Arthur Shipbuilding Company and her mother ran a boarding house. Mom attended Central School and PACI. At some point she met and fell for Dad, a marriage that lasted almost 70 years, and together they raised two sons, Bill and John.
Mom became a librarian and worked for many years at the Waverly branch of Thunder Bay Public Library, where she made many lifelong friends, not only with her co-workers but also the patrons of the branch. She would love when a stranger would approach her and say to her "I remember you from the library". In those early days, she became part of the school library program, where the branch would send books to the schools so students who could not get to the branch still had the opportunity to check out books.
Before and upon retiring, Mom and Dad enjoyed travelling, spending a lot of time in Saskatchewan to visit the Howes, and Connecticut via Frankenmuth Michigan to visit Dad's cousin.
Mom was predeceased by husband, William (Ted), her parents Thomas and Lily Draganiuk, brothers William (killed in action in 1944), John and Victor and by her dear sister Anne. She is also predeceased by daughter-in-law, Barbara.
Mom is survived by sons Bill (Ruth) and John (Virginia); grandson Curtis (Natalie) and granddaughter Robyn Anne (Reed); and by her three special great grandsons Mason, Caleb, and Aiden. Mom is also survived by nieces and nephews out west.
The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at the Cedar Wing, Transitional Care Unit at Hogarth. Although Mom was not there very long, her short stay there was peaceful, the staff caring and concerned.
We would also like to thank the nursing and rehab staff of 1A, TBDHSC for doing your best to get Mom back on her feet. We would especially like to thank Doctor Olga for her efforts on Mom's behalf and for keeping the family fully aware of Mom's condition.
Special thanks to the staff at the Walford for making Mom's years there comfortable. Mom had a difficult time leaving her home on Lakeshore Drive, but the transition was made so much easier by the TLC displayed by everyone one there. There are just too many folks there to name!
Mom did not want a fuss made over her and so in accordance with her wishes, she has been cremated. There will be no formal service, and she will be laid to rest with Dad at a private family gathering.
If friends wish, Mom would be pleased if donations were made to the charity of your choice. Since she loved her dogs so well, perhaps the Thunder Bay Humane Society would be a good choice for those so inclined.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Harbourview Funeral Centre.
5 Entries
Sharon Hedmank
October 9, 2020
I remember your Mom so we from when my Dad was at the Walford. I was always lucky to get a big hug from her and we had some great chats. She was so adorable and always spoke about you, Bill and Ruth and how much she missed you when you went south for the winter. I will remember her always. Love to you both.
Bonnie Roetscher
October 8, 2020
I had the distinct pleasure of getting to know and love Rose in The Walford, where she and my mom sat at the same dining table for their meals. She and I had many open and honest conversations about aging and the psychological and physical pain that goes with it. I sincerely feel as much relief for your freedom Rose, as I do for my mom. Love you.
Laurel/Brian Wright
October 3, 2020
Heartfelt condolences to the family.
Anna (Visy) Meyer
October 1, 2020
I was terribly saddened to hear about the passing of your mother. For several years I worked with her at the Thunder Bay Public Library and I always remember her sense of humour and practicality.
She loved her high heels and always spoke lovingly of her husband Ted and her boys.
She was a lovely person and she will be deeply missed.
Bob and Karen McCluskey
September 30, 2020
So sorry to hear of Roses death but she will be united with Ted. Our deepest condolences goes out to the family. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
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