Rose Catherine MacLean

February 8, 1934 – June 16, 2025

It is with deep love and gratitude that we celebrate the remarkable life of Rose MacLean, who passed away peacefully surrounded by close friends and family at the age of 91.

Rose was known for her work as a caregiver, but she was more than a nanny, more than a caregiver — she was family. She was a guiding light and a steady hand. For the people in her life, she became a trusted friend, a grandmother, and eventually a great-grandmother. To many others, she was a source of strength, joy, and unwavering care — whether she was nurturing children or offering compassion and companionship to elderly family members. Rose had a way of making herself at home in your heart.

Born into challenging circumstances, Rose often said that the second half of her life made up for the first. And what a second half it was — full of love, purpose, and adventure. Her life was a vibrant tapestry of stories, travels, laughter, and music. From her favorite trips to Cuba to moments blasting Bob Marley from her car stereo, Rose embraced life with a spirit that was infectious and inspiring.

Rose was also deeply spiritual. Her life took on new light when she discovered Unity Church, where she found a beautiful, welcoming community that reflected the love and peace she carried inside. Her faith was not just a belief — it was a relationship. She often spoke openly and joyfully about her conversations with God, her constant companion. Whether she was in need of guidance or just sharing a laugh, she’d joke about the things they “talked about.” Her spirituality was real, warm, and lived — a quiet strength that uplifted her and those around her.

Rose also took great pride in her appearance and always looked beautiful. She had a flair for style and a love of self-expression. Her outfits were carefully coordinated, her nails always polished, and her hair was never left undone — and sometimes, it was even pink! She carried herself with grace and confidence, turning everyday routines into moments of artistry and care. Her polished presence wasn’t just about looking good — it was about honoring herself and the joy she took in life.

Her contagious laugh, her love for music, and her bold honesty made every room brighter. She had a fierce sense of what she liked (and didn’t like!) and she wasn’t shy about letting you know — always with a twinkle in her eye. She lived with courage and conviction, often doing things that scared her, just to prove to herself that she could.

Rose taught us the power of gratitude. She would often say, “Everything I’ve ever needed has been provided.” Her faith in the abundance of life was a lesson to all who knew her. She never took love for granted and gave it generously in return.

She was a gift — a rare, radiant soul who lifted others simply by being herself. We will carry her memory forward in the stories we tell, in the laughter that echoes in our homes, in the music that reminds us of her, and in the love she poured into our lives. We will feel her presence in the quiet nudges of care from the other side — always the caregiver, always watching over us.

Rose MacLean’s life was a testament to resilience, warmth, and joy. She will be profoundly missed, but never forgotten.

A Celebration of Rose's Life will be held at a later date and her memorial page will be updated with the details.

In lieu of flowers and in Rose's memory, donations to the Make-A-Wish Canada would be appreciated.

Click here to make a donation to Make-A-Wish Canada