July 31, 1924 - October 18, 2023
In loving memory ~
On October 18, 2023, Rosa Gamache (nee Laplante), a long-time Quesnel resident and beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, peacefully passed away at 99 years old in her home overlooking the Fraser River. Rosa was born into a hardworking French Canadian Catholic family and was proud to be part of the original homesteading families that migrated from Québec to the Cold Lake area of northern Alberta. Fifth of ten children, Rosa cherished her joyful upbringing despite the challenges of the Depression.
In 1944, Rosa married Philippe Gamache, raising eight children on their Fort Kent farm in Alberta. Philippe transitioned to logging in Hinton, after many years of drought on the farm. Rosa, a dedicated mother, encouraged her children to excel in their education and in sports. The family later relocated to Quesnel, where Rosa played a crucial role in the family business. She excelled in bookkeeping and ensured that operations ran smoothly, contributing significantly to the business's success. Her determination and entrepreneurial spirit also drove her to succeed in various other business ventures on her own.
An active member of St. Ann's Catholic Church, Rosa was a dedicated CWL volunteer for over sixty years. Her abundant faith radiated love, joy, and hope in her community. She loved to travel and enjoyed many winters in Arizona, where she and Philippe were very active with golfing, dancing, playing cards, and hosting family and friends. Rosa particularly loved seeing her children and grandchildren, bringing her family together to celebrate the holidays, birthdays and anniversaries was important for her. Rosa and Phillipe were delighted and honoured to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary with a grand celebration, attended by over 150 family and friends from near and far.
Rosa and Philippe adored their numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, always spreading joy, laughter, and hospitality. Despite a lifestyle change after Philippe's stroke at 85, they continued to enjoy their family and find happiness by the Fraser River.
Rosa was predeceased by her loving husband, Philippe in 2016. She is survived by her sister Emma, brother, Francois, children Léonard (Sue), Laurent (Terry), Réal (Terese), Armand (Val), Léa, Ernest, Annette, Carmen (Veikko), extended family and friends.
She was a role model of strength, determination, love and kindness, and she will be dearly missed.