With deep sadness for ourselves we announce that Bertha “Rose” Francis, as of December 2, 2019, has gone to be with God, at 93 years old, the fulfillment of a life of faith, hope and love.
Rose was a daughter of the late Michael and the late Mary (Wilsack) Trasuk. She was born July 4, 1926 in Glace Bay.
She was predeceased by all but one of her siblings and their spouses, Anastasia (infant), Mary (Joe) Rosnok, Thomas (Shirley), all of Glace Bay, Theresa (Stan) Smith, Scarborough, Wilfred, Port Credit, Ont., Andrew (Shirley), Cornwall and is survived by one sister, Frances (predeceased by Ewart), Hepworth, Ont., as well as many nieces and nephews.
Rose married Frederick Arthur Francis February 5, 1951, at Saint Ann’s Parish, Glace Bay and built their home and established their family in Westmount, where they raised five sons, James (Diane), Baxter’s Harbour, Mickey, Albert Bridge, (Father) Bernard, Hamilton, Joseph, Westmount and Charles (Lisa), Edmonton. Rose was predeceased by Fred (February 19, 1991) and survived by her children, three grandchildren, Mark, Edmonton, Jason (Taryn), Canning and Alannah (Rob), Fredericton; and one great-grandson, Rowan.
Rose was predeceased by sister-in-law, Margaret (Archie), Oromocto, NB and survived by sisters-in-law, Ellen (predeceased by Butch) MacLellan, Westmount, Evelyn (Gus) Cossitt, Brampton and Catherine (predeceased by Earl) Swain, North Sydney; and nieces and nephews.
Rose graduated from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing, Glace Bay on August 7, 1947, and spent her career as a nurse at St. Rita’s Hospital, 1947-1991, while raising her family. She helped with a Blood Pressure Clinic over the following years (for which she was once named “Maritimer of the Week” by ATV), but especially in retirement enjoyed a life with good friends, lots of laughs and fun. She was not afraid to laugh, nor afraid to shop! And Rose always delighted in getting a good deal. Rose was proud to be a life-long member of the Catholic Women’s League of Holy Rosary Parish.
Health issues caught up with Rose in 2012, and when she could no longer live alone decided to come live with her son in Hamilton, starting in September 2013. There, Rose made the best of her situation, and made many women friends, who welcomed her as friend, and were always eager to assist Rose.
Rose’s family joins her in gratitude for the great help given by doctors and nurses as she aged, especially, Doctor Paul Murphy, Sydney and Doctor Steven Zizzo, Hamilton, and all the nurses and co-workers at Saint Rita’s Hospital. We are so grateful for the many friends of Rose who always filled her with joy: in Sydney, too many to be counted, but we need to mention her neighbours Theresa and Terry MacLean, who helped her in her later years in so many ways; and in Hamilton, so many, but with huge contributions of friendship from Marjorie Mullen, Lucia DiTomaso, Jean Gower, Joan Nowacki (deceased), Elaine Noonan, Carrol Karsten, Simone Coughlan and others. Your love and friendship to Rose meant the world to her and to her family. We thank you for every kindness you ever showed to our Mom!
Rose and her deep faith and love will be celebrated with visitation at Sydney Memorial Chapel, Sydney on Friday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m., and Parish Prayers at 8:45 p.m. The funeral Mass will be Saturday, December 7 at 10 a.m. at Holy Rosary Parish, Westmount, followed by burial in the parish cemetery and a reception.
Flowers are welcomed by any who so wish. Donations to the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County are also welcomed or donations to Holy Rosary Parish, or a charity of choice.
Rose enjoyed her life on earth, but knew that Life’s fulfillment is Life in heaven with the Lord.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Bertha Rose Francis 2019..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia