We Remember
HARMS, Rosanna Irene (née Keim)
February 20, 1936 — April 8, 2021
Rosanna “Rose” was born in Turtleford, SK, the eldest of 11 children: Fern, Robert (passed), Ella, George, Allan, David, Asher, Arlene (passed), Irvin, and Dale. The Keim family traveled across western Canada to eventually reside in Naniamo, BC. That’s where Rose met Edward Harms; they met at a dance at the Cedar Community Hall on a Saturday night and were married in 1956 in Nanaimo, BC.
Rose and Ed moved to the Okanagan in 1960. They were blessed with four children: Bruce (born in Nanaimo), Terry (born in Nanaimo), Irene (born in Kelowna), and Shelley (born in Kelowna). She’s also survived by two grandchildren, Justin of Calgary and Nicole of Calgary, and three great-grandchildren, Autumn (Justin), Eli, and Forrest (Nicole).
Rose did many things in Lake Country: she ran a small orchard, was a baker at the Super Value, and was a seamstress for many of her friends and family. She was an avid curler when the rink first opened and maintained her love of curling throughout her life. All the children’s friends knew when it was baking day in the Harms household based on the smell of the buns and doughnuts.
In 1988, Rose and Ed moved to 100 Mile House to be motel operators of the 100 Mile Motel & RV Park. Rose learned a lot of new skills on the adventure, but it was her welcoming smile and friendliness that kept her customers coming back.
When she returned to Lake Country in 1997, you’d find her helping with catering at the Horseshoe Club, playing crib on Saturdays, and bowling with her friends. She loved growing tomatoes, flowers, and Christmas Cacti; feeding the birds around the house; and visiting the wineries with her daughters. Her house was always open to have a large gathering of family and friends when they came to town.
We know that Mom has reconnected with Dad (d. 1998), her great friend, Hennie, and all her family that has gone before her. She’s also spending time with all of her pets: dogs, cats & a cockatiel.
Mom loved to cook, read the newspaper and share stories until dementia took this from her. It was this challenging state that brought Mom into the care of Glenmore Lodge. The family would like to thank the Nurses and Recreation Staff at Glenmore Lodge tor caring for Rose over the past year.
There will be a virtual celebration of Rose’s life on Sunday, April 25, 2021 at 1:00 pm. Please let us know through the condolences if you’d like to join in the celebration of Rose’s life. A graveside service will be held in the future with family.
In lieu of flowers, the family would love to encourage you to donate to your local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada (please direct your donation to research), alzheimer.ca.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Share with Others:
Your local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or the Alzheimer's Society of Canada (please direct your donation to research) Link: alzheimer.ca.
Condolences
Very sorry to hear of Rose’s passing. I fondly remember Rose as well as Ed (worked for me for many years at AGM Steel) To the family our thoughts are with you in these trying times. God bless.
My deepest condolences to the family. Rose was a special lady, always happy to see you and a smile on her face. She made great pans of Ribs that were always thoroughly enjoyed. She also enjoyed her trips to the cabin with family, and cooked meals on the wood stove that were as good as any she made at home. You will be missed Rose and thought of often. May you rest in peace. I would very much like to join in on the virtual celebration of life.
Shelley, my condolences to you and your siblings.!
My condolences to the whole family, but I will single out Shelley, the only one of Rose’s family I know. Hugs, Girl, at least she will have her memory back in heaven!
Rose will be very much missed by many and I am one of those people. She treated me like another daughter as a friend of Shelley’s so I count myself very lucky to have been a small part of her life. So many memories of a packed house with soccer teammates and others where I believe Rose was completely in her element with lots of people, laughter and maybe a few beverages. Rose will organize the party and cook the food for everyone she meets that she is joining now. Hope they are all ready for a good time and more laughter!!!
Terry and family. So sorry for your loss. Sure liked your Mom a lot. Hoping you are all well. Respectfully, Keith
Such a remarkable lady many many curling memories and her beaming spirit as well. Such a strong fabric of our community growing up, thank you.
Be at peace beside our Saviour & share your spirit with the angels above. Prayers & love to the family.
Sorry to hear about your Mother. Many fond memories with your family. Enjoyed dances at the Winfield hall , camping trips to Beaver Lake, snowmobiling on Duck Lake and the intake in Winfield and many more, God Bless.
I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country