Marion Gertrude (Fudge) Rose

Marion Gertrude (Fudge) Rose, wife of the late Albert S. Rose, passed away on Wednesday, October 30th, 2019 at the Saint John Regional Hospital.  She was a wonderful mother with a deep Christian faith and values.  She was a role model to all who knew her of kindness, gentleness, sense of what is right is the only thing to do and attempted to help anyone in any way that she could her entire life. 

Marion was a member of Edith Avenue Baptist Church and a devoted Choir member for over 40 years in the choirs of Blanche Flewelling, Isabelle Ryder and Don Flewelling.  She had a beautiful high soprano melodic voice and loved traditional hymns, Christmas carols, Christmas cantatas as well as the varied repertoire of choir pieces that she enjoyed throughout the years, exemplifying her deep Christian faith and spiritual values. 

Marion was a Sunday School teacher for many years who took a deep interest in making it an enjoyable learning experience for the children.  She was also a member of a seniors committee at her church that made lunches and hosted an inter-faith seniors’ group that had monthly fellowship luncheons for a number of years.  Marion was a “people person” and enjoyed social contact. 

Marion was a devoted mother and best friend to her daughter, Mary Ellen, who will miss her immensely every day.  The guidance, advice, beauty that Marion saw in nature, enjoyment of baking and everyday things and love for her daughter expressed every day in so many ways was one of the greatest blessings God gave to Mary Ellen.  Marion was a role model to anyone who knew her and an avid traveller in younger days. 

Marion was an avid gardener for decades and her beautiful flowers that she helped to plant at the age of almost 97 along her front walkway and in her planters are still blooming in her honor at this late date.  She always had great gardening advice for her daughter who had the privilege of gardening with her in her later years.  Marion was also an expert in sewing in younger years.

Arrangements are under the care of Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (646-2424).  Visitation will be held at Edith Avenue Baptist Church (20 Edith Avenue, Saint John, NB) on Monday, November 4, 2019 from 1 to 2pm with a funeral service to immediately follow.  Interment will take place in Fernhill Cemetery.  Donations in Marion’s memory made to the East Saint John or other food bank, to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or other charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated.

FUNERAL NOTICE:

Marion Gertrude Rose, born August 25th, 1922, was remembered with love at a funeral service held at Edith Avenue Baptist Church where she was a member for over 40 years, on Monday, November 4th, 2019 at 2 p.m. Rev. Mark Leary officiated and recounted his experience with Marion and Al (her husband of 45 years who passed away in August of 1987).  A hard worker in the church who could be depended upon during his years at Edith Avenue where he met them.

In memory of her mother’s love for hymns, the beautiful sound of an organ enriching the reverence of the service and music and the immense joy Marion had at her 97th birthday party where live music, keyboard, violin, and vocals were delivered by Don Flewelling and Ruth Lesbirel at a backyard party at Marion’s home on the most beautiful sunny day,  Mary Ellen arranged for the service to take place at Marion’s church where the beautiful Hammond organ sound her mother loved, idle for several years, was again brought to life and its rich beautiful tones filled the sanctuary in Marion’s honour.

Don Flewelling and Ruth Lesbirel gave a musical hymn tribute to Marion’s life of faith in God and love for traditional hymns and choir music.  Don (organ & vocals) and Ruth (violin & vocals) sang and played some of Marion’s best loved hymns: Part I “Mansion Over The Hilltop”, “He Touched Me”, “When We See Christ”, “I’d Rather Have Jesus”.  Part II – “Amazing Grace”, “The Love Of God”, “When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder” and “How Great Thou Art”.  A solo “To God Be The Glory” was sung in remembrance of Marion by Barry Rigby, a long-time choir colleague.

The congregational hymns, also favorites of Marion were “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” and “Because He Lives”.

The eulogy was delivered by Ruth Lesbirel and Don Flewelling.  Ruth described Marion as caring, understanding, compassionate, kind, loyal, faithful, and generous with a wonderful sense of humour.  She said Marion had a great inner strength founded on her Lord and her life was a life well lived, an example for us all.  She said that Marion could have no regrets and is now hearing her redeemer say, well done thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

Don indicated that he spent almost 33 years at Edith Avenue Baptist Church as choir director during which time Marion was one of his most faithful choir members.  He said that she was very proud that she was the last original owner of a Westmore Gardens home and she was known for her love of her home.  He continued to say that Marion was a very special part of his life and will continue to bring fond memories to mind as one of the special people who touched his life.  He said “Although small in stature, she truly made a great impact on the lives of those about her.  Never one to gloss things over, she spoke her mind and everyone knew where she stood on things.  He always appreciated her genuineness and honesty.  He ended with “Until we meet again Marion, when everyday will be just as perfect as that August afternoon (of her 97th birthday party), I say God bless and thank you for a life well lived-and an example to us all. 

Remarks and family reflections were offered by Rev. Leary who gave a message and read scripture passages loved by Marion – Psalm 23 and John 14: 1-6.

The pallbearers who volunteered at the church at the end of the service were Mark Anthony, David Trott, Rev. Mark Leary and 3 Fundy Funeral Home employees.  The honorary pallbearers were Ruth Lesbirel and Don Flewelling.    

Marion was the greatest blessing that God gave to Mary Ellen.  She was Mary Ellen’s best friend as well as her extremely loving, devoted mother who Mary Ellen will miss immensely every day.

Great differences were set aside to hold this reverent service in honour of Marion with the overt presence of God and Marion’s life of faith in God at the focal point and Mary Ellen cannot thank everyone involved enough for doing so.

Marion Rose was admitted to hospital as a result of a stroke on Sept 27th, 2019 and passed away on October 30, 2019. Everyone stood for a minute of silence, timed by Rev. Mark Leary, in respect for Marion Rose and what she went through in the hospital.  Her fuchsia blazer that fit snug when she entered the hospital was loose and showed the drastic loss of weight.

Interment immediately followed the service at Fernhill Cemetery, Saint John, NB, where Rev. Leary held a short graveside service. 

With sadness and deep love in my heart for my loving, devoted mother and best friend,

Mary Ellen Rose         

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