Obituary of Mary Rose Kunkel

A thousand bumps and a million smiles best describes Mary Rose’s journey through life. After a very tough start, with a gentle nudge from the Good Lord’s hand Mary Rose arrived into the open hearts of Mom and Dad, and the loving warmth of the Kunkel Family. Mary Rose knew she was home. With more bumps, twists and turns than any kid should have in three lifetimes, Mary Rose was never more than a heartbeat from her famous smile. Our greatest gifts, often bring us our greatest rewards and our greatest challenges. This was true with Mary Rose. Mary Rose was a true friend . . . charming, forgiving and persistent. . . . A fighter . . . determined and stubborn. Mary Rose was our drop of Native sunshine. Fun, funny, witty and above all charming. Her simple Christian faith was strong and unwavering. Mary Rose knew God, and God knew Mary Rose. Finally, Mary Roses’s depleted resources could handle no more. And, with another gentle nudge from the good Lord’s hand, along with a smile from Mom and Dad, Mary Rose’s journey will now be a smooth one for eternity. She was ours . . . we were hers. Our sister, our friend, We will always miss you. Mary Rose was welcomed into heaven by her Mom and Dad, Joan and Jim Kunkel. Mary Rose will be daily remembered by her 11 siblings, 26 nieces and nephews, nine great nieces and nephews, aunt and uncle and cousins. Meg (Margaret) Malo and friend Mike Sorokowsky, Kath and Bruce Larsson, Colleen and Reece Kindt, Anne and Norm Johnson, Carmel and Brian Moir, Sharon and Don Hiebert, Bill Kunkel, Joe Kunkel, Tom Kunkel (Jackie Fehr), Leah and Jay Donald, Jeanette Kunkel. Nieces and nephews – Stephen Malo (Leah), Kelly Malo (Flavia), Colleen Malo (Maurice), Kathleen Boschman (Tim), Michael Malo, Elizabeth Larsson, Paula Larsson, Erin Kindt, Allison Kindt, J.D. Kindt, Kimberlie Ferrier (Alan), Kirsten Johnson, Megan Johnson, Daniel Moir (Sarah), Andrew Moir, Ross Moir, Jennifer Fitger (Kent), Sarah Fitger, Kenny Kunkel, Isabelle Kunkel, Hali Fehr, Kelly Fehr-Kunkel, Ken Donald, Mark Donald, Ellery Donald. Great-nieces and great-nephews – Brittany Malo, Kelly Joan Malo, Tristan Malo, Hailey Malo, Matthew Boschman, Tearra Fitger, Kate Lynne Fitger, Isabell Fitger, Korben Moir. Uncle Hugh and Aunt Anne Kunkel (Toronto) cousins – Jim, Debbie and Chris. The respect, compassion and kindness shown to Mary Rose by the nurses and doctors on the third floor High River Hospital will remain in our hearts forever. Please wear bright colours as a tribute to Mary Rose. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Monday, November 6, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Cathedral (219 – 18th Avenue S.W.) on Tuesday, November 7, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Rupert A. MacLellan, Presider. Graveside Service to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. The family would prefer instead of flowers, donations be made to the High River District Health Care Foundation, 560 – 9th Avenue West, High River Alberta, T1V 1B3. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Mary Rose Kunkel a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403)243-8200