The obituary for Rose Pearl Free can be read at the Funeral chapel website. Seeing her photo brought tears to my eyes; that was so her! So alive! I’m going to post (and flesh out) the obituary here, in case anyone is interested:

Rose Marie Pearl (Vance) Free passed away Sunday, December 29, 2019, at the age of 61.

Rose was born in Melfort, SK, the fifth of seven children to Allen and Louise Vance. In poor health as a toddler, she went to live with her aunt and uncle, Fred & Myrtle Forsyth, and sister Christine in Saskatoon for four years, returning home to Pathlow, SK, in time to start Grade One.

The family moved to Moose Jaw in 1969. At the age of 15 Rose married her best friend Butch Free; they celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary in October. The couple had two daughters.

Rose worked for years at Moose Jaw seniors’ homes and nursing homes as a Dietary Aide. In her spare time she loved spending time with her grandchildren, doing jigsaw puzzles, reading and playing scrabble. A year ago Rose was diagnosed with lung cancer and came through the treatments for that, getting a good report from her doctor in the summer. She developed pneumonia at the end of November and was hospitalized. The family hoped for a successful cure; sadly, it didn’t happen.

Rose is predeceased by her parents and newborn brother, also her parents-in-law. She is survived by her husband, Butch Free; her daughters, Michelle (Mike) and Crystal (Kevin); her grandchildren, Austin, Graham, Owen, Trevor, and Amy; her five siblings plus many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Rose’s Life will take place January 7, 2020 in Moose Jaw. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made in her name to the Canadian Cancer Society.