Rose-Marie Yvonne Grandmont

It is with profound sadness and a feeling of inexplicable loss that the family of Rose-Marie Grandmont (nee Durand) share her passing on February 27th, 2013 at the age of 71, after a brief illness and a courageous battle. Rose was a force like no other and had the energy and passion for life of someone half her age. Rose was many things to many people: supportive mother and mother-in-law to Marc (Sherri) and Dan (Heather), caring aunt to her many nieces and nephews, compassionate sister, and a loyal friend. Despite relishing her relationships with all these wonderful people, she found unbridled joy in her role as a Memére to her two grandchildren Emma and Samuel. Whether it was a magnificently decorated birthday cake, an elaborately constructed Easter bunny ‘nest’, a tailored suit, or a made to order meal of perogies or homemade pizza pops, Rose embraced her relationship with her grandchildren, as well as with any child who spent time in her home. We could not be more proud of her influence on Emma’s artistic abilities or Sam’s appreciation of and interest in cooking.

Rose-Marie Durand was born on April 10th, 1941 in Lettelier, Manitoba to Beatrice and Emile Durand. The eighth child in a family of nine, Rose was a quiet child who managed to stay out of trouble by staying one step behind one of her more precocious siblings. Her mother died when she was young and her father’s remarriage added six more children to an already busy household. Despite blending two families, the relationships were strong and throughout her life Rose always kept close ties with her brothers and sisters and their children. Rose married Edmond Grandmont in 1962 and they raised their two sons Marc and Daniel in a tight knit community in St. Norbert alongside Ed’s two brothers and their families. Married for 49 years before Ed’s passing in 2009, Rose worked with Ed in their family business for many years where she honed her famous baking skills and met many of the people that became lifelong friends.

It is difficult to summarize the enormous impact Rose had on so many people but we know she will be lovingly remembered at the Eagles Club where she enthusiastically participated in many events including making over 100 homemade pies every September for the annual Fall Supper, at her salon where she always brought a full meal for everyone working on the days when she got her hair styled, around countless dinner tables where her amazing desserts, homemade jams, canning, jellies, salsa’s and dill pickles have been a staple for decades, and by all who have been the recipient of her intricate needlepoint or original paintings.

Marc, Dan and the extended family are extremely grateful for the care and compassion shown to Rose by the staff during her brief stay on the 5th floor at St. Boniface Hospital. A special thank you to the nurses: Kelly, Judy, Nicole C. and Biz and Drs. Parwa and Serrano as well to the countless number of people that stopped in for a visit or sent positive messages during this difficult time.

A celebration of Rose’s life will be held at “Thomson In The Park,” 1291 McGillivary Boulevard, Winnipeg at 2:00 pm, Thursday, March 7th, 2013. Immediately following, a reception will be held at the Eagles Club, 3459 Pembina Highway. Interment will take place in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rose's memory can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6.