Obituary of Rose Marie Dubois

With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Rocking Rosie, aka Rose Marie (née Lozon) Dubois, who left us peacefully on November 24, 2024, at the age of 74.

Rosie was the soul and the heartbeat of our family, and her love was a constant presence in our lives. She is survived by her 2 daughters Rachelle and Chantal and their husbands Mo and Matt, her four grandchildren Ced (Dayna), Micah (Jake), Kami and Riley (Hannah), her sister Rosalie, and her brothers, Romeo (Michelle), Roger (Graham), Rene (Michelle) and many nieces and nephews who made the entirety of her world.

Rosie was married for 24 years to the one and only love of her life, Gerald (who preceded her in death since Elvis clearly never got her proposal). She is now probably giving her sweet “GD” a hard time for not ever fulfilling her “so politely wishes” when she would talk to him from down here on Earth.
 
We are comforted by the thought that Rosie has been lovingly welcomed by Gerald, her parents Ovilla and Thérèse, brother Rosaire and nephew Josh who we are certain greeted her with open arms (and most likely an open bar).

Born and raised in Grande-Pointe,  Rosie’s childhood was filled with the hard work and love of family. She grew up hating school, devoting herself to helping her parents care for her siblings, cleaning the floors like Cinderella, and working tirelessly on the family farm. This hardworking spirit never left her, and she carried that dedication with her throughout her life.

Rosie wore many hats and held many titles that were as unique and special as she was: the most devoted onion grader, the life of the party (always the first to arrive and the last to leave), #1 cheerleader at her grandchildren’s sporting events, and the one you called when things went missing so she could pray to St-Antoine. She was also Cardi B's nemesis—because man could she  shake it. She became well-known as The Bag Lady and Netflix’s most appreciative customer after binge watching a time or two.  Rosie was also a caring and devoted second grandma to many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.  They say it takes a village to raise a child, she was the village.

Rosie’s signature traits and habits will never be forgotten. She was almost always seen with some kind of adult beverage in her hand—"with some crushed ice, please and thank you".  Water just never quenched her thirst. She was known for cheating at cards, pouting and sharing a few not-so-nice words if she wasn’t winning. If she was winning, she was the happiest and cockiest of players.  Everybody fought to be her partner when playing Euchre and Trou cause playing against her was just too painful and dreadful.  

She had a special gift for making the most mouthwatering poutines, even though she always claimed her dough was too sticky, and her squares too thick. Her caramel cookies, caramel popcorn, and rainbow Jello were always a big hit at our numerous family gatherings. She loved playing “Romeo”, aka Rummy-O.  Her devotion to St. Jude was well known, as she prayed for everything from goals for her  Montreal Canadiens to the  lucky lottery numbers. Rosie was a busy woman and became adept at planning her everyday events and visits around her favorite TV shows.  “I need to be home for my Chicagos at 8” was something we often were made aware of. She was notorious for texting and writing long messages,  all in  CAPS and using popular religious words in both good and bad.   Her love for frog legs (and possibly “frogs” in general) was another one of her quirks, and no matter what was happening, she always put others first and was always there when someone needed help.

Rosie could often be spotted at Winners, hunting for the perfect treasure or piece of clothing, at the casino, where she was known to magically touch the “snow” on her favorite machine, hoping for a lucky win or on the peaceful waters of Lake St. Clair, enjoying a day of fishing. She loved attending music concerts, immersing herself in the joy of live performances and smiling at the hot country singers.  She could often be found at the stove, preparing soup on demand for her grandchildren, in parking lots and driveways, texting away with her signature energy or back on the road again heading to one of her many supper invitations.

She truly embodied the saying that youth is wasted on the young and like her favorite saying was “we’re here for a good time, not a long time.”  And while her time with us was too short, it’s clear that Rosie lived a life full of laughter, joy, fun and unforgettable moments.  We find comfort in knowing that she will continue to watch over us, and we eagerly await the moments when she will “come down on us hard,” just as she promised.

Family to receive friends on Friday November 29th, 2024 at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham between 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.  A funeral Liturgy will be held in memory of Rosie at the Funeral Home on Saturday, November 30th, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.  Private burial to follow at St. Philippe Cemetery in Grande Pointe later in the day. In honor of Rosie's memory, donations can be made to a charity of your choice. 

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home

459 St. Clair Street, Chatham

519-351-2040