Obituary of Mary M Rose

Loving mother of Gordon, wonderful wife of Raymond, loved in-law, grandma and auntie to Clare, Marcus, Olivia, David, Inge, Lamia … and Tippy. Cherished friend and neighbor to Barbara and Angie.

Hard working and devoted who lived the creed that the best can only come from good work and doing the right things well … especially in the face of adversity.

Economic depression, rationing & war were the signs of the times. Work started at the age of 13 – for the war effort. Despite all this, she found fun, humor and love with Raymond, leading to marriage on 9/4/1948.

They built a life together in and around their hometown of Chester-Le-Street, County Durham, England. New adventure presented itself for which they emigrated to Guilderland, NY, with the love and support of Florence and Hank. Shortly thereafter Gordon was born.

We lost Raymond in 1982, which turned the world upside down. Hank and Florence left us over the next few years. Mary focused on working and providing, without letting up or making excuses, to keep us on the right course.

As Gordon created his own life as an adult, we spoke weekly. Mary would visit us in England, South Africa (including a safari in her 70’s), Michigan, Pennsylvania and Minnesota. Always enjoying, experiencing and supporting. 8 years ago, she moved in with us, in Bloomington, MN.

In WWII Britons were asked to “keep calm and carry on”. This is exactly how Mary lived, with love, care and persistence.

We are deeply saddened.

There is a road we call remembrance where thoughts and wishes meet.

We take that road in thought today, of one we cannot greet.

We shared some happy days together, we shared some sad ones, too.

But the saddest day of all for us was the day that we lost you.

All Our Love Forever for Mary, Mom, Grandma, Auntie