MacKENZIE: Rose Mary MacKenzie (née Pickford), January 20, 1920 - May 18, 2013, of Toronto, passed away peacefully in her 94th year. Predeceased by her loving husband Gordon George MacKenzie in 2002 and their son Douglas George MacKenzie in 2005. Loving mother to Dr. David (Elaine) and Kirk (Todd Ross). Proud grandmother to Dr. Scott (Wendy), Dr. Brett and her darling Megan. Remembered lovingly by niece Faye Jean Myers and special friends Lillian Tosoff and Margaret Dolan. Rose was born in Drumheller, Alberta, the fifth child of Isabella (nee Meldrum) and Gerald Pickford. Isabella and Gerald met in Sydney, Australia, and married there in 1913. In 1918 they moved to Canada to homestead. Rose often spoke fondly of growing up on the family farm near White Bear, Saskatchewan, with her siblings Jack, Jim, David, Jean and Doug. After graduating in 1940 from Moose Jaw Normal School, Rose taught for 33 years (retiring in 1976). During this time she raised 3 sons with her husband Gordon, whom she met while teaching in Denholm. They married in Saskatoon on November 18, 1950. Rose and Gordon shared many common interests, and especially enjoyed attending old-time dances, where Gordon looked forward to dancing with his favorite redhead. After living in Denholm, Waseca, and Peyton, they bought a house on 93rd street in North Battleford. In 2001 Rose and Gordon moved to Vancouver. In 2008 Rose moved to Toronto. During her full life Rose enjoyed sewing, needlework, knitting, cooking, gardening, curling, visiting family and spending time with Gordon at their farm near Denholm. Rose travelled across Canada from Victoria, BC to Campobello Island in the Bay of Fundy. She was thrilled to visit Hawaii and Las Vegas and to cruise to Mexico and Alaska. Rose believed in community service, volunteering with the Vancouver General Hospital and Battleford's Union Hospital Auxiliaries. For many years she was also a member of the Rebekah Lodge, a branch of the IOOF. Until the end Rose had an enquiring mind. She was an avid reader and enjoyed audio books from the CNIB after her eyesight declined. Rose liked discussing current events with friends. She also enjoyed the company of Tommy and Lola, her loyal canine companions. Many thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at Belmont House, Baycrest Outpatient Clinic and Toronto General Hospital, 13th floor. A special thank you to her devoted caregivers Zeny and Leony. A celebration of her life will be held on June 7, 2013, at 2 PM at the Toronto Necropolis, 200 Winchester St., Toronto. Interment will follow at a later date at Woodlawn Cemetery in North Battleford. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Belmont House (www.belmonthouse.com) or the CNIB (www.cnib.ca). ____________________________________________________
