Obituary of Rose ZIOLKOSKI

May 10, 1938 – Dauphin, Manitoba
May 30, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Rose Ziolkoski of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 30, 2021 at the age of 83 years. 

Rose was born in Dauphin, and raised on a farm near Vimy Ridge Manitoba. She graduated Grade 12 from Pine River with a Business Certificate. Married in 1957, Rose and Orest lived in Gilbert Plains 1959 to 1962, and then moved to Roblin, which was home for decades to come. After Orest’s passing in 1997, Rose moved to White Rock/Surrey BC in 2005.
 
In early family life, Rose and Orest were partners in his career as a teacher, superintendent and principal. Hosting staff parties and supporting the community became a lifelong endeavor. Throughout, she organized music festivals, bonspiels and church-events, often fundraising along the way. She would support these things with her organizational and promotional skills; cooking, baking and sewing; she did it all, and Roblin benefitted.
 
Meanwhile, Rose substitute-taught in the early years, and was a dental-office administrator for almost two decades as a working-mom.  All this continued while she and Orest raised their four wonderful children in Roblin. Family always came first, but Rose had panache for infusing her character along the way. She stood for many things, all of which has been instilled into her children, and is therefore being honoured today.
 
In no particular order of priority Rose, stood for tradition (Ukrainian heritage, importance of church, and family traditions on special occasions); style, community participation, sporting-activity (golf, curling, and fishing), hosting and socializing, laughter, hard-work, adventure, joy, brilliance as a cook and home-maker, which included gardening and sewing. Rose was an incredibly welcoming person.
 
Rose instilled, and quietly expected, pride in her family, with an inherent desire for achievement. Education was critical, and all of her children have excelled. Yet, they are grounded in humility and a sense of knowing they come from modest beginnings, built on strong work, empathy and team-play.
 
Rose made Roblin paradise. She always took great pride in the home and family she nurtured. Through gardening, cooking, camping, community-events, and so on; she taught her children about the connection between hard-work, dreams, and joie-de-vivre. She raised her children to be game, ambitious and yet humble.

Rose (Mayuk) Ziolkoski will be sorely missed by those whose lives she touched, but her memory will last as we honour her character and vivacious spirit. As a closing sentiment, the children want to express their sorrow, and their pride in having her as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She leaves to mourn her daughters, Karen, Cindy, Debbie, and son Rick; grandchildren, Christopher, Alix, Chad, Riley, Annika, Lauren, Charli, Owen, Reid, and Adelaine; great-grandchildren, Bailey and Tommy; in-laws, Brent, Jim, Ed, Sue, Amber and Kevin; her wonderful sister Holly; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband Orest, and sister Sylvia

A Spirit Rose
From the Prairie Winter,
Long ago;
and a loving glinter
in the snow,
there came a Springtime Rose;
-------------
Its beauty grew
as time went on,
And its bounty too
was passed along;
from this lovely Summer Rose;
------------
And then (as happens),
its petals leave;
So the maturing flower
would soon believe
In a sovereign, Autumn Rose;
------------
Then in time, too soon…
life’s season played;
back to the garden,
Our flower laid,
From which…
…A Spirit Rose

A small funeral service was held amongst family, on June 4, 2021. For those who were unable to attend, a recording of the service has been posted below. Thank you to St. Stephen’s Ukrainian Catholic Church for a wonderful service, lead by Bishop Bryan Bayda.  

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed here on Rose’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

The family thanks everyone for the sentiments of love and support conveyed these last few months. Thanks also to Dr. Stassen and Dr. Gohel (along with their medical team) at the South Health Campus Hospital, as well the entire staff of The Journey Club and The Southwood Hospice for their compassionate care of Rose.

In living memory of Rose Ziolkoski, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

Click here to view Rose's Memorial Card.