Rosa Paulina Lees
October 10th, 2020
Rosa Lees passed at home, peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.
Family Reflection on Rosa’s Life
Rosa loved animals and as a child, she gave names to ALL the family, farm critters. There are countless photos of her carrying around chickens like puppies. In her adolescence and young adulthood, Rosa was a baton twirling, high school cheerleader. Kelowna B.C. was dazzled by Rosa as their Beauty Queen, she being crowned, Lady of the Lake. As a young wife and mother, her artistic, hair styling talent took to the road. She traveled with her two daughters to neighbouring friends' kitchens for a home, salon visit. The girls watched in awe while their mom teased ‘n’ spray pin curls to life. As the family matriarch, Rosa exemplified affection, unconditional love, solid support and wisdom. In current times, she called her eldest, Karin (every week) just to stay connected and find out the latest scoop. Her youngest daughter, Celeste and grand daughter, Kaylee often visited for 'sleep overs at nana's'. Making homemade blueberry pancakes and bacon for breakfast, became a family tradition.
In the 80’s, Rosa discovered twelve-step program living. She shared a life of recovery with her former husband, Art Lees. She got hired as an Addictions Counsellor at both Maple Cottage and Vancouver Detox. She was revered by fellow staff and trusted and loved by clients. Her bedroom dresser drawer was stuffed full with thank you cards from former, grateful clients. Mostly, the cards reflected how Rosa made others feel - like they mattered.
In the 90’s and 20’s Rosa was dedicated to her family. Living on a splendid riverside in Ladner, B.C. with her partner, Edward Moore. She loved and supported her daughters, grand daughters and adored her Edward. Regular family gatherings brought much laughter, catch ups and fantastic potluck food.
A few words from Rosa’s grand daughters’ Haley and Kaylee, “We have delightful memories of arm tickles from our nana’s fresh polished nails. At the condo in Tsawwassen, dressing up in all of nana’s fanciest gowns and make-up was a regular thing. Fort building, using nana’s pillows and sheets made life an ongoing adventure. Nana’s delicious homemade mashed potatoes or mac 'n’ cheese, always warmed our bellies. Discovery channel watching, adding cute comments of every animal on the screen, was our evening routine. For myself (Haley), summer road tripping to Sundance Horse Ranch was riding horses and staying in hotel guest luxury, making the bestest of times. Weekend sleepovers were filled with nana teaching us new board games and watching Flashdance (over and over). We played hairdresser with clips 'n' bows, rainbow wash-out hair dyes, and ended the day in bubble baths filled with kitchen utensils and bath bombs. For myself (Kaylee), I spent many hours drawing at the kitchen table in Ladner. Nana would wander over and admire my work. Finished pieces would make it to the fridge for a proud nana display.”
To Rosa
You’ve been with me most of our lives.
You’re in my soul.
The love of my life.
My greatest gift.
My friend.
Written by Edward Moore
Rosa is survived by her Brother (Philip Bachmann), her Partner (Edward Moore), her Children (Karin and Celeste) and her Grand Children (Haley and Kaylee).
She is predeceased by her Father (Balthaser), Mother (Katharina), Sister (Celestina) and Brother (Ed).
A Private Family Service will be held at a future date.
In honor of Rosa’s outstanding work with those struggling with addiction in the DTES and in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to First United Church www.firstunited.ca
A testimony from a former, detox client, “I have a very fond memory of your Mom, Rosa when I was in Vancouver detox. She had several conversations with me, not about anything in particular, but she was just a very kind, warm and sincere presence in my life, at that time, when I had nothing else going Good for me. She left my heart feeling somewhat happy that somebody actually took the time to ask me how I felt. When all I really felt was alone. I kind of felt that I mattered after speaking with her, her kindness to me made a difference, may she go in peace and love.”
You are invited to leave your personal message about Rosa and/or of condolence for the family. Blessed Be.
Messages:
What a lovely write up on a beautiful soul, my condolences to all her family. I know everyone will miss her in some way.
She was a significant part of the foundation of me rebuilding my life in the 80's. A woman of grace and love. Sending condolences to her family and friends.
My beautiful Rosa was such a huge part of my life during the 80s and 90s and I will always be so thankful and grateful that I knew her. No more suffering.