Rose Lindsay passed away suddenly on December 24, 2011 in Salmon Arm, BC at the age of 88 years. Rose was born in Salmon Arm where DeMilles Farm Market is now, in 1923. Rose unexpectedly entered the world in a tent by the Salmon River Bridge whilst the family harvested a potato crop. She was predeceased by her dearly loved husband John Lindsay and baby son, Stuart, from her first marriage along with many other relatives. She is survived by her daughters; Barbara (John), Patricia (Louis), grandchildren; Richard, Tara, John, James, Lisa and great-grandchildren; Sierra and Ty.
Rose began her life on the shores of Shuswap Lake at Pierre’s Point, named after her Secwepemc grandfather Pierre Moyese. Her mother, Sabina, died when she was only 3 years old. A loss she mourned deeply to the very end of her life. Her grandfather raised her till she had to attend a residential school. Grandpa Pierre, instead, paid for her to attend a Catholic convent in New Westminster to ensure she was treated well. She spoke of fond memories growing up with the nuns. When she returned home she spent a great deal of time in Kamloops in the company of the famous cowboy Andy Manual. He caught a wild blue roan stallion in the hills above Kamloops. Andy trained and gave him to Rose. She could be seen riding him from as far away as Chase to Armstrong, it was nothing in those days to pack a nice dress, ride 20 miles and dance all night.
With a strong, independent spirit, Rose worked and travelled throughout the United States alone. She returned home to her beautiful Shuswap where she met her husband of 60 years, John Lindsay, working at a horse logging camp in the mountains above Scotch Creek. They settled on a homestead on Dilworth road in Sorrento where they struggled in the early years to make a life. They had many hard times and setbacks, the Bangs Disease wiped out their cattle. They ran sheep up in the mountains across Shuswap Lake above Celista, herding them all the way from Sorrento. Rose enjoyed the sheep until the market for wool fell. However, they tenaciously kept on farming and even tried dairy farming when there was a market for cream. She raised her two daughters Barb and Pat all the while growing a large garden, canning the produce from the fruit trees and raspberries. The girls had fond memories of riding the ponies that their parents sacrificed to give to them. Many happy memories were spent picnicking and swimming at Sunnybrae.
Rose was known as a warm and vibrant personality who loved to share. She was a gifted story teller. We loved to hear her narrate the stories of her life and Native legends that her grandfather Pierre Moyese passed down. Her memory was impeccable when it came to storytelling. It was her gift, as she enthralled audiences young and old. Rose was an elder of the Adam’s Lake Indian Band and fluently spoke the Secwepemc language. Rose loved her family immensely and cherished her time with them. She was unique; a one of kind personality. Life was difficult for Rose at times as she suffered from rheumatoid arthritis from the young age of 4 years. She always found a way to carry on through her periodic bouts of crippling arthritis attacks.
Rose passed away 2 months and 3 days after her beloved husband. From beginning to end, through joyous and tumultuous times, Rose and John loved and cared for each other deeply throughout their lasting relationship. We will miss them both dearly; comforted in the knowledge their souls are together, now and forever.
Rose Marie was laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Sorrento, BC alongside her husband John on December 31st, 2011.
Online condolences can be sent through Rose’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com