Rose Gress

It is with great sadness that our family announces the peaceful passing of our beloved mother Rose Gress in Saskatoon, Sk. at the age of 78.  Rose Ellen (nee Chorney) Gress, daughter of Alex and Pauline (nee Shewchuk), was born February 16, 1944 in the Mellmore district north of Pelly.  She attended Mellmore school until 1959, when it closed.

Rose moved to Yorkton for employment, and was considering a career in hairdressing when she met George Nicholas Gress Jr. They were married August 8, 1964.  Rose also had an opportunity to join a partnership in the restaurant business, but decided to focus on her family.  She provided support to George in his business endeavours by taking care of the home, yard, and cabin, as well as spending 19 years working in the office during tax season.  Rose was involved in her children’s lives, helping at school and in their activities.  There wasn’t a job Rose wouldn’t try to tackle and she was always there to lend a hand to a friend or neighbour.

Faith and church life were always a foundation for Rose and her family.  She was an active member of St. Gerard Church, singing in the choir, working bingos, making perogies, and serving in the hall - mainly for funeral lunches.  She was installed as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, taking communion and helping at masses at the Yorkton and District Nursing Home for many years.

Rose was a multitalented lady.  Besides great soups, meals and baking, she made the best cabbage rolls. They were requested by many every Christmas.  She provided George’s office with many decorated cakes and baked treats to get them through the busy season.  Rose also excelled at sewing, Ukrainian cross stitch, crocheting and knitting.

People were always welcome in their home and cabin, whether it was family, friends, or their children’s friends. Rose was always organized and prepared, often with little to no notice.

Rose was a born caregiver.  Besides her own family, she took on the challenge of foster parenting a teenage girl for grade 8, as well as a six month old boy.  She also helped care for George’s Uncle John.  In later years Rose was a dedicated caregiver for her husband for a lengthy time period.  During this time, she took care of the home, cabin, and all other responsibilities.  She also helped widows and others in the same position learn to tackle new responsibilities, helping them stay in their own homes.  In her spare time, she shoveled and snowblowed the neighbourhood.  

Eight years ago, Rose experienced a life changing stroke.  She faced this challenge in her life with her typical strength and determination. Rose worked hard at rehab in Yorkton and Regina for five months and made the decision to move to Saskatoon to be closer to her daughter Karen.  She enjoyed the outings and activities; especially the live entertainment. She also enjoyed shopping, never coming home empty handed. The staff always remarked that she was such a nice, kind lady.

Rose was predeceased by her husband, parents, her sister Rosie and brother Andrew.  She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Karen (Stephen) Malec and their children Courtney (Andrew) and Brooklynn; her daughter Corrine (Anoop) Dev and their children Donovan and Alexander; her sisters Anne Hydamacka, Adeline Hydamacka, Iris (Ken) Fissel; her brothers Fred (Doreen) and Victor (Linda) as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and host of good friends.

The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to the staff at Stonebridge Crossing Retirement Community in Saskatoon.  Rose was treated like family, with excellent and compassionate care.  We would also like to thank Jillayne Neufeld and Mark Gress for the visits with Mom and support to us in Saskatoon.

 In Rose’s honour, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (heartandstroke.ca).

Prayers for Rose will be held on Thursday July 7, 2022 at 7:00 pm from St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday July 8, 2022 at 11:30 am also from St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church with Father Louis Nguyen officiating.  Interment will follow in Yorkton Memorial Gardens. Both services will be livestreamed and available by clicking on the link below at service time.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rose Gress, please visit our floral store.