Rose Catherine Jenkins

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved Mama, Rose Catherine Jenkins on May 4, 2024, in Halifax. Born in 1931 in Halifax, she was the youngest daughter of the late Robert John and Sarah Mary (Sinnamon) Fisher.

Graduating from Saint Patrick’s Girls High School was just the beginning of a lifelong love of learning for Rose. She then went on to receive her R.N., B Sc in 1955 after a five-year course of study at Mount Saint Vincent College (University) and the Halifax Infirmary School of Nursing. Nursing at Camp Hill Hospital was followed by studying at Dalhousie University, where she obtained a Diploma of Teaching and Supervision in Schools of Nursing. She went on to teach nursing at the Halifax Tuberculosis Hospital and the Halifax Children’s Hospital.

Rose loved helping people which lead her to joining the World Health Organization. She became a Science Instructor and Recruitment Officer for the Khartoum Nursing College, Khartoum, Sudan. It was there she met the love of her life, Beresford (Berry) Jenkins at a square dance at the American Embassy. Berry was seconded from Siemens Ediswan Company, England. Two years later, on April 18, 1961, they were married.

After four years of service in Sudan, Rose and Berry made the move to her home in Halifax where they would raise their two daughters Eileen Rose and Leslie Ann. Along with motherhood, Rose continued her education earning a B Ed from Saint Mary’s University, after which she spent time lecturing in Teaching and Supervision in the Schools of Nursing, Dalhousie University. Finally earning a MA in Education from Dalhousie University, and Counselling qualifications, leading Rose to become a Guidance Counsellor and Psychometrician in the Dartmouth School System. Rose loved helping students, both academically and personally, but family came first. When her aging mother’s health started to decline, she retired to stay at home and take care of her.

After Berry retired, they both enjoyed having more time to spend with family and friends and wintering in Florida which continued until Berry died in 2001.Rose was one of those people who genuinely enjoyed people. She was kind, considerate and patient with everyone she met. She had a way of focusing on people so that they knew they had her full attention, and she was always responded in a thoughtful and considerate manner. She will be deeply missed.

Rose was predeceased by her parents, brother Robert John Fisher; sisters Mary Agnes Trude (Jan); Aileen Jean (Ed) Hanusiak; Ruth Adele (Murray) Pritchard and husband Beresford (Berry) Jenkins. She is survived by daughters Eileen Rose (Allen) Ross and Leslie Jenkins, both of Halifax; two grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews in Halifax and in England.

Cremation has taken place under the care of Cruikshank’s Funeral Home. A Celebration of Rose’s life will take place at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 6476 Bayers Road on Thursday May 16, 2024, at 10 am. Interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to Saint Vincent de Paul, St. Catherine of Siena.