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Obituary ~ Marjorie Rose Poloz, 1948-2009
Rose Poloz was born Aug. 11, 1948, and passed away Dec. 2, 2009 at the age of 61 years. Following is the eulogy delivered by Gayle McCue:
Much like the flower of the same name, Auntie Rose Poloz was very beautiful, elegant and classy. One of her dear friends suggested we look at her life as we’d admire the petals of a rose, and I thank her for the wonderful idea.
Rose started as a little rosebud in the hamlet of Grouard Aug. 11, 1948. Marjorie Rose Belcourt was born at home, and like her two sisters and four brothers, had no recorded birth weight or time. She was the youngest daughter of Pat and Maryann, and her family called her ‘Baby’ for years. She was in the first group of students to go to school at AVC in Grouard, and she did very well.
As our rosebud bloomed into a woman, one of the most important petals of her life was motherhood. Rose had four beautiful daughters: Tracy, Kathy, Cheryl and Lori.
As her girls grew older, Rose spent some time as a single mother. She went back to school and excelled at Secretarial Arts. This accomplishment filled her with such pride and confidence. She was a very practical working single mom. She gave the girls the choice of either a phone or a microwave - they couldn’t have both. Of course, her teenage daughters chose a telephone!
Our Rose also has a grandmother petal. She took special joy in her grandchildren and loved to spend time playing with them and spoiling them. She celebrated the wedding of her oldest granddaughter, Kiley-Rae, this past summer. I’m sure this will always be a treasured memory.
As Rose grew older, another petal of her life unfolded, the petal of the adventurer. Rose loved to travel. One of her favourite destinations was the bright lights of Las Vegas. She also enjoyed a trip she took with Arthur to the Oregon coast, where they marvelled in the beauty of the Redwood forest. She loved autumn and took every opportunity to admire the colours of the season. One of her favourite pastimes was a walk around Beaumaris Lake in Edmonton.
Over the past three years, two more petals of our Rose have developed. While they are separate, for Rose they were one and the same. One petal is that of a courageous fighter, the other is that of a faithful Christian.
Three years ago, Rose met a group of women who became the best friends any woman could hope for. She joined a Christian group called the Alpha Group, along with Joyce Halwa, Ann Long and Colleen Godziuk. Last November Rose took part in a spiritual retreat known as Cursillo. It was a life-changing experience for her. She realized that she was completely loved, and she found peace.
Two years ago Rose began her battle with cancer. She fought with such courage and grace. At the end of her battle, she accepted the inevitable outcome with overwhelming peace, elegance and dignify. Her final two weeks brought our family together in a way that none of us will ever forget. She has passed on a legacy of courage, compassion and togetherness.
On Dec. 2, 2009, surrounded by an amazing circle of those she loved and those who loved her, she passed away. Our Rose, with her endearing giggle and infectious smile, is in full bloom in the garden of the Lord in Heaven.
Waiting to welcome her will be her parents Pat and Maryann, her daughter Tracy, her sister Annie, her brothers George and Danny, and her nephews Jimmy and Porgie.
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