After a great day of social engagement and time in the sun, our Mother Rose passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home on April 5, 2022, in the presence of all her children. She was 93. Missing her terribly are her five sons, Patrick, Ronald, Douglas, Michael and Raymond.
Born in Mannville, Alberta, Mom was the youngest child of Hungarian immigrants, Sigmund and Mary Techy. Her parents and her three elder siblings, Mary Junior, Sig Junior, and Margaret eventually relocated to BC and established their family homestead outside of Penticton in Allen Grove, on Green Mountain Road, adjacent to the entrance to the present day Apex Ski Resort. Mom attended a one room schoolhouse with her brother and sisters in their rural setting before the family moved to Penticton for their kids’ secondary schooling at “PenHigh”. During summer holidays she and her siblings would work picking and packing fruit from the Okanagan’s orchards. After completing high school our Mother continued her education in Calgary, Alberta, attending the Provincial Institute of Technology and Art, (now known as the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, or SAIT) obtaining a two year diploma in industrial dressmaking. Mom sewed her own clothes and maintained a keen interest in clothing design and fashion throughout her life (she would often comment on her adult sons’ attire during their visits!) Our Mother met our Father Ray at the iconic Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver in the late 40s, early 50s, in what was then a classic nightclub scene of cocktails, smoking and dancing. After graduation with her diploma in dressmaking in hand, Mom obtained employment at the bridal salon of the downtown Woodward’s Department Store. With her encouragement, her then fiancé (Dad) — at loose ends with his university degree and no job — applied for a management trainee position at the same store and was hired. And so ended the Woodward’s employment of our Mother, given Woodward’s policies against employee fraternization, and so began our Dad’s happy 30 year career with Woodward’s. Mom found further employment at the Eaton’s bridal salon. Our parents were married at St. Augustine’s Church in Vancouver on May 31, 1952.
But life had a more noble calling in store for Rose, other than a career in couture. First son Patrick was born in 1954, followed in rapid succession by Ronald in 1955, Douglas in 1958, and Michael in 1960. Although our parents thought they had their hands full enough with that brood, Raymond came along 11 years later as a surprise addition to the troupe in 1971. Mom did the heavy lifting in the raising of five rambunctious boys given the often long and irregular hours Dad worked for Woodward’s, and although our parents were of modest means, we remember a happy childhood, being raised in the neighbourhood that was our village, and having want of nothing.
Our Mother was an Okanagan girl through and through. She loved fruit and the warmth of the sunshine. She was interested in life, and was interesting to talk to. She was bright and quick with the quip. She loved poetry and was a great fan of Robert Service’s works, which she would recite from memory to us as we were packed in a station wagon loaded with camping gear, en route to the BC interior for family summer holidays. Her sons meant everything to her.
Later in life when others would comment to our parents how well their kids had turned out and how much a credit that was to them as parents, Mom would often demur and respond we were self made. Nothing could be further from the truth, Mom. We are grateful to have had the last seven years with you since Dad’s passing to return the care and nurturing and support you provided us in our formative years, and in the last few years the opportunity to tuck you into bed each night, say our prayers, and tell you we love you.
Rose is predeceased by her parents Sigmund and Mary Techy, her husband Ray, and brother Sig and sisters Margaret and Mary. She is survived by her five loving sons Patrick (Gayleen), Ronald (Barbara), Douglas, Michael (Anne) and Raymond (Melinda), as well as grandchildren Laura (Baru), Conor (Cecile), Sean, Matthew, Jack and Cameron, and five nephews and nieces.
The family would like to thank ABC Home Support Service for the exceptional home care they provided our Mother over the years through loving care givers Remy, Robert, Marshal, Ray, Vincent, Raman, Rodel and Cora. Thanks also to Dr. Rusnak for providing great in home medical care for our Mom through Vancouver Coastal Heath’s innovative HomeVIVE eldercare program.
Prayers will be held at 7:30 PM on Thursday, April 21st at St. Augustine’s Church, 2028 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, where a Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 AM Friday, April 22nd, with a reception to follow. Interment will occur the following Tuesday, April 26th, at 11:00 AM at Mountain View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask you to consider making a financial donation to The West End Adult Day Care Centre Society in support of seniors' daycare programs such as the one our Mother benefited from attending. Cheques may be made payable to The West End ADC Centre Society, and can be mailed to 2110 W 12th Ave. Van., BC V6Y 2N2, or funds sent by electronic transfer to account Newroots2110@gmail.com. Condolences may be offered online at www.kearneyfs.com
God called our Mother home the same week that Christian’s observe as the Passion and Death of our Lord Jesus Christ. May Mom hear “Well done good and faithful servant” on account of her earthly time, and be welcomed to share in His Resurrection at Easter in accordance with what we are promised by our faith.