Rose White
March 19, 1931 - March 3, 2018

Rose White (née Steciuk) passed away peacefully on March 3, 2018 with the loving support of family and friends by her side. Born in Meleb, Manitoba on March 19, 1931 of Ukrainian heritage, Rose left the farm as a young women to find the bright lights of the city and explore all that the world had to offer. She ultimately settled down and built her life in Calgary where she raised her daughter and completed her education at the University of Calgary. She earned a Bachelor of Arts (with distinction), a teaching diploma, and Masters in Library Science. She was a true champion for strong and independent women; raising a child as a single mother, advancing her education, and building a career - all during a time when it wasn’t as common as it is today.

Rose’s pride and joy were her daughter Corri and her grandson Marco - who will always be her “little Marquito.” She loved watching him grow into the caring young man he is today. His visits and frequent phone calls brightened her day, and the educator in her especially enjoyed discussing his college classes with him.

Rose took great pleasure in her work as a teacher, curriculum leader, and department head at Bowness High School. During this time, she guided and counseled many young students; teaching them to think outside the box and encouraging them to always ask “why?”. She loved helping them become well-rounded individuals, succeeding academically and navigating life. She was respected and loved by her students and colleagues.

Rose thrived when learning new things and was an avid reader. She loved to debate politics, religion, philosophy, and the stock market with her dear friends and family over many cups of tea. She had a lot of fun playing in the stock market and the lottery, hoping to win big, with the goal of using her winnings to help her family and others in need.

Rose never lost touch with her roots, and made time with her siblings and nieces and nephews a priority. She treasured her family and close friends, and while some passed too soon, her life was enriched by the depth of commitment, kindness, support and love from her family and special friends Sandi Rider, Randy Anderson and Gail Grekul, and Libby Jackson.

Rose is survived by her loving daughter Corri (Tim) Coy, grandson Marco (Summer) Pinon, sisters Jean (Gordon) Hanna and Paula Welsh, sister-in-law Rose (Walter) Steciuk, nieces Pat (Chuck) Dechene, Peggy (Dave) Graham, Judy Wowchuk, Gloria Zahaiko, Deanne (John) Tabar, Renata Steciuk, nephews Bob (Marylin) English, Dick (Jane) Wowchuk, Mike (Brenda) Steciuk, Ron (Ingrid) Steciuk, and their families.

Rose is welcomed with open arms in heaven by her parents Michael and Mary Steciuk, siblings Alec, Sophie, Ann, Walter, and Peter, nephew Larry, and niece Candi.

We would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, caregivers, and friends, who supported Rose during the past few months at Scenic Acres Assisted Living, Home Instead, Rocky View Hospital, South Health Campus Hospital, and the Dr. Vernon Fanning Centre.

A very special thank you to the nurses and care givers at Peter Lougheed Center, Unit 29, whose unparalleled compassion carried us during the toughest and saddest moments of our lives.

Rest in peace dear one. We are forever grateful for the love, support, and sacrifice that you made for us. We will carry your legacy forward and make you proud.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.