Mary Rose Carter

“Rosie” was born on May 18th, 1949 to her parents Wilfred and Alice Carter. She was the eldest of 13 children. Growing up in Onion Lake Saskatchewan during that time was not for the faint of heart. No modern-day conveniences such as electricity, running water, or telephones were accessible. She was raised in a log home built by her father and grandfather. She knew the meaning of hard work as it was imperative for survival during those times.

Rosie attended St. Anthony’s Residential School until she was a teenager. When she left, she lived in several places and finally settled in Edmonton, Alberta. With the hard work ethic ingrained in her, she worked two often three jobs to support her children and also attending school to attain her LPN designation (Licensed Practical Nurse.) She loved working with people and devoted her career to helping the less fortunate within the City of Edmonton. She worked for years at the General Hospital, The Women’s Emergency & Accommodation Centre (WEAC),and she also participated in many charity events to help the homeless. She was also a foster parent and would often take in children who required emergency care placements.

Rosie was a woman with a heart of gold. She always made time for anyone, and that time always seemed special. She was the “Go to Person” when someone needed a good stern lecture, advice on life or the most amazing hugs ever. She also had an amazing sense of humor and often told stories of when she was growing up with her siblings in Onion Lake. The two silliest stories she often told were when she chopped down a tree with her brother Brian clinging for dear life at the top of the tree, and the other was when she became tired of her baby sister crying and placed her in the stroller and conveniently kicked the stroller and let it roll towards the creek. Rosie had the capability to talk to complete strangers and have in-depth conversations about life and somehow, she made these individuals feel better about their current life situations.

Rosie had several favorite artists which included: Charlie Pride, Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton. She was so elated when she was able to see Charlie Pride’s son in concert. She was able to attain a photo with him and to this day used that photo on her Facebook account. She loved her outings to the local casinos where she would visit with people and play her favorite machines. She loved watching hockey and always had a front row seat in her living room when her favorite team The Calgary Flames played.

Rosie’s health began to decline but this did not stop her from participating in “life” She hid her pain for many years because she did not want to be a burden or worry anyone. She was bound and determined to raise her grandsons to the best of her ability…….and she accomplished that.

Her children, her grandchildren and great grandchild were her LIFE. She would under any circumstances do her absolute best to ensure her children, grandchildren and great grandchild know they were loved. Her memory will live on and always be cherished by all who loved and knew her.