Rose S Dugas

Rose Dugas a friendly, kind, generous, wiry, independent woman with a beautiful smile and warm heart passed on to the next step in her journey peacefully, on Tuesday evening, December 4, 2012. All lifetimes have beginnings, and endings, and there is living in between. Rose lived her 102 years to the fullest. She enjoyed an abundance of joyous times with close family and friends. Many often heard her say, “I’ve lived a good life.” Rose was supported and surrounded by the love of close family members throughout her lifetime including the last days of her life.

Born in West Arichat Nova Scotia on Cape Breton Island on December 2, 1910, she was one of ten children born to Philomina and Benjamin Theriault. Rose grew up on Cape Breton Island and attended school in West Arichat. On her way to school she would count three big waves and then “run like the dickens” to cross the breakwater. She fondly spoke of her visits to bring sugar to the Micmac Indians who inhabited the island at that time. Rose was sixteen when she left the island to move to the United States. On June 10, 1934 she married her childhood love Joseph Francis Dugas. They moved to Cape Cod where they settled, raised their son and built three homes together. Francis predeceased her in 1993 after 59 devoted years of marriage.

In addition to her only child Joseph Francis Dugas Jr, she is survived by loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren and her only surviving sister Marie Agnes Martin.

Rose delighted in people. She was very hospitable and proud to have others visit her home. There was always a full candy dish in the living room, a tour for newcomers, and one never left her home hungry. She relished the outdoors. One of her favorite pastimes was planting the vegetable garden, making pickles, chili sauce, and sharing the bounty with others. Long days spent at Craigville Beach and poking around in stores brought her great pleasure. On various summer days, Rose could often be found reminiscing with friends and family in her backyard swing.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Saint Francis Xavier at 10:30am on Monday December 10, 2012. A gathering of friends and family will be held prior to the Mass at the church. Burial will be private.