Rose Theresa Bates

After a difficult struggle with dementia, Rose Theresa Bates found peace on Friday, April 21, 2023.

Born in Coaldale to Anton and Frances Huber, Rose grew up in a close-knit farming community during the Great Depression. The values she learned then, of faith, family, and hard work, sustained her throughout her life.

In 1960, she married Lawrence Bates. She moved with him to Wood Mountain, Assiniboia, Atikokan, and Winnipeg before they finally settled for good in Calgary. During their travels, she gave birth to five children, Mary-Frances, Christopher, Shannon, Lauren (Laurie), and Gregory (Greg). The infant death of Christopher was a life-long grief to her, but she took great pride in the accomplishments of her surviving children. She was a loving and devoted grandmother to Sean and Malcolm.

Prior to her marriage, Rose worked for the Public Health Unit in Coaldale, a position in which she excelled. As her children grew up, she returned to work in a variety of payroll and accounting positions. Everywhere she worked, she was known for her dedication to thoroughness and excellence.

Rose loved music, particularly classical and choral music. She was a meticulous housekeeper and an outstanding cook, and an invitation to her home was an invitation to a feast. She was at her happiest with a large group of extended family gathered around her dining room table and loved to generously open her home to those who were lonely. Rose was fierce, funny, opinionated and determined, right until the end of her life. We are proud of her courage and try to emulate it.

Rose is survived by her husband Lawrence; her children, Mary-Frances (Steve), Shannon, Lauren (John), and Greg; her grandchildren, Sean, and Malcolm; her sister Ann Hudecek; and her brother-in-law Arnie Bodie; as well as by many loving nieces and nephews.

There will be a private service for family members.

We would like to thank everyone at Staywell Retirement Home for their loving and patient care of Rose during the final months of her life, as well as the staff at Rockyview General Hospital.

Donations in her memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Calgary at www.alzheimercalgary.ca/, the Calgary Humane Society at www.calgaryhumane.ca/, or the Alberta Cancer Foundation at www.albertacancer.ca/

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