Nov 28, 1925 - Dec 20, 2017
Rose passed away peacefully after a short illness at the age of 92 years. Up until a month before her passing she was still playing her mandolin with the Station Strings.
Rose was born in a two room miner's cottage in Coleman, Alberta to Anna and Peter Popeniuk. She grew up in Coleman and at the age of 16 began teaching in country schools in New Brigden, Maycroft and Burmis.
Rose married Robert (Bob) Watson in 1944 and came to Fernie in 1954.
Rose taught at the Fernie Elementary Secondary School for 25 years. During those years and into her retirement Rose was involved in establishing many organizations in the community: The Snow Valley Wranglers, The Fernie and District Arts Council, The Fernie Spinners and Weavers Guild and the Station Strings. Rose loved music and theatre and was proud to live in a community where the visual and performing arts are highly valued.
There was nothing more important to Rose than her family - she had a powerful influence on each one of us. She was the one we went to when we were hurt or confused and she was the one we went to when we wanted to share our joys. She was always there to support us and cheer us on. She had wise council and guided us lovingly through our lives.
Rose is survived by her daughters Nici (Dave) Blackwell of Fernie; Beth (Gerry) Gregg of Nemaiah Valley, BC; Grandson Greg (Barrie) Blackwell, and great grandson Brock of Fernie; granddaughter Ricki (Brad) Gage and great grandchildren Wyatt and Morgan of Coalhurst, Alberta; granddaughter Megan (Dean) Pezderic and step great grandchildren Paige and James Dean of Millet, Alberta.
Rose was predeceased by her parents Anna and Peter Popeniuk, husband Bob in 2003, their son Arthur in 1975, and her brother Nikoli.
It was Rose's wishes that there not be a funeral. She has chosen to be cremated and have her ashes spread in her favorite place in the world and the place our family always gathers for the good times - Loon Lake.
Memories and condolences shared at www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.
Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.