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Obituary of Rose Walker
Rose Walker (nee Pakanec)
1940-2024
With her loving family by her side, Rose, a long-time resident of Chatham-Kent, ON passed away at “The Hamlets” Long-term home in Vernon, BC on Thursday December 19th, 2024; two days after her 84th birthday. Rose fought a courageous battle against a debilitating and unknown rare neurological disorder.
Rose was born on the family farm in Howard Township, the youngest of five daughters of Peter and Kristina Pakanec. Rose was never a stranger to hard work. At age 17, Rose married and continued to farm with her first husband, Andy De Coninck for 13 years while working at Southwestern Regional Center initially as a Nurse’s Aid. Rose’s third job was maintaining the family home. She cooked, gardened, canned, lovingly knit and made clothes in those early years. Rose worked at the Regional Center for the physically and mentally challenged until 1995, finishing her career as a Purchasing Officer.
Bereaved and sorely missed by her daughter, Michelle De Coninck (Brian Kuzemchuk), and granddaughters, Kira (Brodie) and Corrin Kuzemchuk. Left to mourn are Rose’s stepchildren, whom she viewed as her own, Jamie Walker and Margaret Browne plus grandchildren, Jennifer Walker, Gary & Jennifer Browne, and several close nieces and nephews.
Mom was pre-deceased by her husband Robert “Bob” Walker in 1997, whom she enjoyed 13 years of marriage. Departed from her life were her sisters and their husbands, Sophia Pakanec, Antonia Semkovich (Fred), Mary Capek (Frank), and Helen Van de Hogan (Joe). Rose also lost her cherished friend, Charlie Ivan with whom she knew as a family friend growing up in the Slovak/Czech community and Mull Church.
Travelling, dancing, attending the casino, and playing cards were Mom’s favourite activities. She would have a twinkle in her eye and would try to suppress a laugh when she won any game. Always competitive and with horseshoes hanging in her favour!
As per Rose’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place on Friday, January 17, 2025, starting at 9:00am for visitation at St. Joseph Parish in Chatham. The funeral will commence at 10:00am, followed by an interment at Maple Leaf Cemetery (St. Anthony’s section). In lieu of flowers, donations to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation would be appreciated. Funeral attendance and donations can be made through McKinlay Funeral Home.
McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street, Chatham
519-351-2040
Thursday December 19 2024
blenheim_mckinlay funeral home
Death notice for the town of: Blenheim, Province: Ontario
death notice Rose
Walker Thursday December 19 2024
obituaries notice Rose
Walker Thursday December 19 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Rose
Walker Thursday December 19 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
