We Remember
HARRISON, Rose
August 17, 1934 — August 4, 2022
The old saying it takes a village to raise a child is also true at the end of life. It takes a village to support a person in old age and when you pass on. Our beautiful mother Rose Harrison’s village was Lake Country Manor and Lodge where she died, peacefully, on Thursday, August 4, 2022, ending her 13-year battle with dementia just short of her 88th birthday. On behalf of our mother, thank you to all the caring staff who helped her with her long journey. Predeceased by Robin, her loving husband of 48 years, she is survived by her children Julia Ambrozy, Diane Britton and David Harrison; grandchildren Eric, Alex, Daniela, Robert, and Rosalie; newly arrived great-grandchild Aria Ambrozy; as well as her children-in-law Andrew Ambrozy, Richard Britton and Donna Feronika.
Growing up with her 12 siblings in Depression era New Brunswick, “Rosie” (as she was affectionately known to her 6 sisters) combined her high intelligence, toughness and work ethic to strike out into the world at age 16, eventually becoming an Air Canada flight attendant with her lifelong friend, Ethna Plashkes. At a time when “married” women were not allowed to be flight attendants, she quit in 1961 in order to marry Robin.
Anyone who knew Rose knew she was not afraid to engage with anyone, regardless of their status. In this, she taught her children to be respectful to all but to revere none. She was a role model for community service for the sake of itself and had a long history of serving her community in Milton, Ontario. She served as member of Milton’s Town Council for 12 years (1977 – 1988), the Milton Parks & Recreation Board, the Hospital Board, the Leisure Centre and the Allendale Manor Capital Fundraising Campaign among many community service activities. For this and many other reasons, she was named Milton’s Citizen of the Year in 1988. She was particularly proud of the very well attended Festival of Countries multicultural festival that she organized in Milton in the early 1980s to showcase the many talents and cuisines of the various ethnic groups living in Milton.
Rose was one of those increasingly rare people who did these things to help her community and for no other reason. When Rose retired from her career at CIBC and moved to Westbank, BC in 1994 to be closer to her grandchildren, the (then and current) Mayor and friend Gord Krantz gave her a special plaque thanking Rose for her loyal and dedicated work during her years of service to the community.
Rose fought her one-sided battle with dementia with humour and grace – never lashing out or feeling sorry for herself but accepting it as it came. Dementia took her memory, her speech and eventually her mobility. But until the day she died, it could never take away the lively spark that burned so brightly within her. She will be greatly missed by those who experienced her spirit, wit and generosity. She can now rest in peace.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Dear Julia, Andrew, Alex, Eric and family., May her vibrant and energetic soul be at peace now that she is reunited with her Robin. She was a firecracker and Heaven is a better place to have her in it. My sincere condolences to you all xo
To the family of Rose Harrison. My husband, the late Gerry McAuliffe (October 28, 2020) and I shared many wonderful times with Rose and Robin. I remember meeting Rose for the first time when she knocked at our door looking for our vote. After that she couldn’t get rid of us. Her energy and her love of her family was boundless. When Rose saw someone in need it didn’t take much to convince us that it also became our responsibility to step in to help. Milton grew as a community because of Rose’s tireless involvement in every aspect of making it the best town around.
We had endless dinners together along with our friends, Peggy and Bob Groom. These were always filled with laughter and great conversations as we all had opinions – sometimes with quite opposite views. But that was what made those dinners so exciting. We remember the time when the “dump dances” were held to try and delay the opening of the recycling area on Highway 25. Robin, during special nights loved to dress up and chi choice would send us all into laughing spasms. Those were some of the best times.
We all missed her when she moved west to be closer to her family. Life is not always kind to those we love and in Rose’s case that was no exception. But Rose’s legacy is one of love of family, community and a commitment to make us all better people for have known her. Blessings to all of you. Bonnie McAuliffe
You and Gerry were wonderful friends to my mother and she loved you both dearly. Thank you for taking the time to remember those great years. It is a real comfort as we adjust to life without her.
Dear Julia, Diane, David and families. it was with profound saddness that we read of Rose’s passing. Although, it is a blessing that she is no longer enduring a state of being that was the last thing she would have wanted. She never wanted to impose upon anyone It was through our beloved friends Bonnie and Gerry McAuliffe that we met Rose and from then on we all became good friends sharing so many Saturday dinners.
There was never a dull moment. Her quick wit and her incredible sense of humor was a trademark of hers and she was loved by all those who really knew her. Bonnie summed it up perfectly pertaining to Rose’s contribution and dedication to the Town of Milton and its residents. I believe she helped put Milton on the Map along with Mayor Krantz. , A favorite memory is when she decided that a farewll party was in order for Bonnie and Gerry when they decided to move from Milton. As Gerry an investigating reporter for the Fifth Estate and Bonnie and employee of the CBC and the force behind the man were also well known and she knew many would want to say farewell……..hence the “Awful McAuliffe Farewell Party was born. Tickets were printed and the Masonic Hall was rented. She didn’t have to ask me twice to help. I got Bruce Hood to help and sell tickets. The Mayor was at the head table with many other dignataries surrounding Bonnie and Gerry, when in walked Rose, pulling a donkey along with the donkey’s owner who looked like he came from the Ozarks. Rose enhanced her natural attributes with baloons and the room went into unctrollable laughter. It was an unforgetable day and I have the picture to prove it. Rose was one of a kind and we truly loved her. I missed her teribly when she moved to B.C. to be with her family,but we understood. The Milton days are long gone but the memories will always be treasured like they happened yesterday. and it never fails to bring a smile of gratitude for the times we shared. May God’s comfort bless you all. She loved her children and grandchildren and was proud of you all. We wish her Godspeed on her next journey. Love Peg and Bob