Rose passed away quietly in the Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster on 12 May, at the age of 96.
Rose was born in her family home on Mathers Avenue in West Vancouver on 22 July 1925. She was the daughter of Rose Anne and Walter A. Forrest. She was always very proud of her West Van origins and her working class Irish roots.
Having graduated from West Van High School, Rose worked as an office assistant for a number of years before marrying Stephen Hardinge in 1951. Rose’s married life took her to homes in Ottawa, Surrey, Vancouver, Prince George, Victoria, West Vancouver and New Westminster. She also enjoyed travelling internationally and at various times visited Hawaii, Costa Rica, the UK and Ireland.
Rose was a keen cook for her family and friends. Her roasts, casseroles, Christmas turkeys and wonderful fruit pies, cakes, tarts and puddings were always well received and added greatly to the collective family girth. She loved her garden and was often happiest when she was out in the fresh air planting new flowers, trimming the foliage or even pulling weeds. She was also known to “acquire” plant cuttings when visiting QE Park, Butchart Gardens or other public spaces displaying lovely blossoms.
Rose was predeceased by her loving husband, the Honourable Judge Stephen Hardinge and is survived by her four children, Carol (Ken), Mary, Eileen (Ray) and David (Manita); her grandchildren Alanna, Cameron, Emily, Bryce, Kerri, Jessica, Michael, Karen and Emma; and, her great grandchildren Addin, Koen, Edith, Alden and Kana. She is also survived by her nephews and nieces, the children of her late brother Charlie Forrest (Doris) and of her late sister in-law, Francis Thorne (Dudley).
Rose had a feisty personality and we will miss her.