Obituary of Rose Marie Green

In Loving Memory of

Rose Marie Green (Laboucan)

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend, Rose Marie Green (Laboucan). Rose passed away peacefully in her sleep on Boxing Day, Thursday, December 26, 2024, at 5:30 a.m., in Kelowna, B.C., with her sons Randy and Danny by her side.

She is predeceased by her loving husband Walter Green (Bon Wally-Allstar, 2017), son Teddy (Goofy, 2015), daughter Colleen (MacTavish) (Tub, 2021), daughter-in-law Michelle Wells (Miki, 2024), parents John (1973) and Gertie (1971), and brothers Wilson (1995) and Clifford (1982).

Rose was born on November 26, 1934, in McLennan, Alberta, the second of three children to John and Gertrude (Courtorielle) Laboucan. She was a proud Métis woman who displayed her heritage by wearing Cree/Métis symbols whenever she was in public. Rose was a survivor of the Residential School system, attending St. Bernard’s in Grouard, AB, in 1946.

Around that time, John and Gertie moved to the North Peace area of B.C. to start a tree-falling and camp business for local lumber companies. John was a “Faller” and “Bucker” for the trees, processing logs and moving them to staging areas for transport to sawmills by horse (also known as horse logging). Gertie was a great cook, selling hot meals to lumber contractors at their camp along the Alaska Highway. The camp became known for its good hot meals, and Rose helped Gertie in the kitchen, learning her amazing cooking, baking, and catering skills.

One day, a coal truck driver named Walter wandered into the camp for a meal and knew instantly that Rose was the girl of his dreams. They married on August 11, 1956, in Fort St. John, B.C., and had four children: Teddy (Goofy), Randy (Geek), Dan (Numbnuts), and Colleen (Tub). They were married for 61 years until Walter's passing in 2017.

Throughout their marriage, Rose and Walter's love for family and friends was evident. Their home in Fort St. John was always open, filled with smiles, food, laughter, and good times. Everyone was welcome, and this part of her life will be dearly missed.

In her last days, Rose continued to be surrounded by family, food, friends, and laughter. On Saturday, November 30, 2024, we celebrated her 90th birthday at the Corpus Christi Parish Hall in Kelowna, B.C., with family and friends from Fort St. John, Penticton, Vernon, Edmonton, and Calgary. Rose cherished the company, making her day special. Thank you to all who attended.

On Christmas Eve 2024, Rose and her immediate family enjoyed their usual Chinese food dinner, sharing another great day of family, food, and laughter. She had plenty of smiles that night.

Rose was known for her compassion, understanding, faith, and culinary skills. As the family matriarch, she maintained and upheld family values throughout her life.

Sadly, Rose has baked her last loaf of bread. Her job is done, and she can rest knowing she improved the lives of countless people, sharing her love of family values and teaching the importance of believing in oneself and sharing one’s gifts. She passes the baton to those who will accept the challenge. God bless all.

A funeral mass will be held for Rose at 11:00 am on Friday, January 17, 2025 at the Church of the Ressurrection in Fort St. John, BC.