Rose Margaret Gardner

It is with great sadness and broken hearts we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Grandma and Great Grandma, Rose Gardner who passed away surrounded by love and in the comfort of her family on June 12th, 2024 ending a long battle with Alzheimer’s Dementia. Rose was born to Emma (Johnson) and John Vetterl in Spalding, SK and spent her early life on the rural family farm before moving to BC to join her brothers and sisters when she was 16 years old.  A long-time resident of Delta and Surrey, she had recently celebrated her 85^th birthday.

Rose had always aspired to be a nurse however in 1974 after certifying to become a Medical Office Assistant (MOA), found her perfect fit in pediatrics leading to a 30-year career working with children and doctors, and an active member of the Medical Office Assistants Association of BC (MOAA).

Rose was perfect at striving in her heart to be ‘simply the best’ in whatever her role – as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandma, great grandma, and friend. Full of energy and laughter, she was a friend to everyone, always making everything fun and special. She was a tireless worker, and the best shopper of unique gifts to express her love. She was passionate about sport and being active. She recognized the benefits early on in family life and despite working in a busy doctor’s office, along with an active family, she swam laps in the pool, and logged miles around the community track on a daily basis modelling the importance of being fit and strong. She was also proud of her athletic accomplishments in track & field as a child in Saskatchewan, and later on the local softball diamonds and curling rinks around BC. Her competitive spirit lasted throughout her life. Forever a devoted fan of Team Canada, and the Canucks she always had the latest team jersey and cheer gear ready to watch the games uniting everyone. She was “Oh Canada and Go Canucks” until her passing.

Although well travelled, she best recalled the fun and adventures of camping and bus trips to blue grass and western music festivals in Canada and the US, and a very memorable trip to Hawaii with the Delta Fire Dept in 1973. Mom really loved music, singing and dancing.

Rose was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, L. Keith Gardner; her parents Emma and John, sisters Florence (William Vetterl) and Marie (Mac Gardner); brothers – Roy (Alice), Len (Shirley), Charlie (Joyce), Alphonse (Marylyn),  Alvin, and Larry; and, her little furry boy of 16 years, Riley.

Rose is survived by her daughter, Penny Gardner and son Kevin Gardner, beloved daughter-in law, Michelle; and, cherished granddaughters Gillian Gardner and Danielle Harvey (Brett); adored great grandchildren James, Brooklyn and Kennedy, as well as sister-in-laws, Odette (Alvin) Vetterl and Sharrin (Larry) Vetterl; in addition to many nieces, nephews, close family and cherished friends. Rose will be interred with her husband Keith in a private family service during the warmth of summer and her spirit released in the company of balloons.

The family is grateful and sincerely thank Dr. K. Mann, and Dr. D. Samoil, and The Residence at Morgan Heights for providing guidance, care and comfort, in addition to programs and services needed to enjoy her final years.  We express deep gratitude to the nursing and care staff in Washington East and Ocean Park West, the Recreation leaders, companions and volunteers, calling many her friend.

A Celebration of Life for Rose Gardner will be held Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the
Northview Golf and Country Club, 6857 – 168 th Street Surrey, BC in the Clubhouse - Palmer Room.

Please consider a donation in memory to the BC Alzheimer’s Society at alzheimer.ca