July 25, 1938 — August 18, 2023

On August 18, 2023, Rose Marie Thiessen passed away peacefully with loved ones at her side at home in Lower Nicola, B.C. after a courageous battle with cancer.

Rose was born in Nanaimo July 25, 1938, and was very proud of the long history of her family in British Columbia, her father was a Work, and her mother was a Simpson, both families prominent in the history of B.C. She was predeceased by her daughter Krisandra Ewald and granddaughter Erin Ewald. She is survived by her sons, David, Dwayne (Sheila), Joe (Selena), daughter Shannon and her sister Tonee Sabine.

Rose met Ernie at a Legion Dance in Cloverdale in March 1954 and they were married on October 16, 1954, and began a life together shared with 5 children, 14 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandson. Rose and Ernie moved often for work and the betterment of their family, making many friends along the way. Over the course of the 68+ years together they lived in 21 different communities all over the province.

Wherever they lived Rose always made every house feel like home in short order. Rose had a zest for life and enjoyed the traveling they did in their retirement including Costa Rica, Mexico and Portugal. When they were home, she was always happy with working in the yard and heading out for a simple campfire and roasted hot dogs. Rose and Ernie had many adventures together and always made friends along the way. Rose loved music and they attended a variety of music festivals and concerts. Rose was always ready to dance.

Rose was often involved in the community that they lived in volunteering with community groups and other organizations. In recent years she was active with the Legion in Merritt.

No service is planned at this point in time, the family will be planning a Celebration of Life for later in the year. The family would like to thank Joan Brady and Merritt Home Care Nurses for their support during Rose’s illness.

In lieu of flowers a donation made to the Salvation Army in Rose’s memory would be appreciated.

You may offer a message of condolence at Merritt Funeral Chapel for the Thiessen family.

• Date : 2023-08-18
• Location : Merritt