Rosemary Thuss
February 13, 2012
With great sadness, we announce that Rosemary Thuss (McCoubrey) passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 13th, 2012 surrounded by the love of her family and friends. There could only ever be one Rosemary but there is no shortage of words that describe her: Courageous, Compassionate, Graceful, Dignified. Those defining qualities are echoing loudly for friends and loved ones after Rosemary’s beautiful life as wife, mother, nana and sister ended quietly at age 59. One of six children born to Alexander McCoubrey (1991) and Mary Catherine McCoubrey (Fox) (2006), Rosemary grew up in the big red house on Church Street in St. Thomas. Always in on the joke, she and siblings Alec, Mary Helen, Hugh, Anne and John created countless stories. As a teen, she met her true love Henry Thuss, “my Henry” as she’d come to call him, by chance encounter in Grand Bend when he asked her to go for an ice cream. Married in 1973, Henry and Rosemary joyfully raised four children: Matthew (Beth), Kate (Gavin), Phillip (Crystal) and Jane (Ross). They would later welcome five beloved grandchildren: Oliver, Grace, Beatrice, Charlotte and Penelope. At the Thuss family home on Nairn Road, Rosemary always had a vase of tulips on the table and a smile on her face as she hosted many gatherings for family and friends. Henry and Rosemary fulfilled a dream by creating a little piece of heaven on Six Mile Lake, where she never missed a sunset. Rosemary’s relentless confidence made any task seem possible and she will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched. Visitation will be at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Wednesday from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. and on Thursday from 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., with prayers at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish, 777 Valetta Street, on Friday, February 17th, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. Private interment, St. Peter’s Cemetery. A special thanks to Dr. Rachel LaBranche, her caregivers, Cherie, Mary and Judy, the CCAC and VON Palliative care team and her loving girlfriends. Donations may be made to the Holy Family Parish Building Fund, 777 Valetta Street, London, Ontario N6H 2Y9 and King’s University College Student Life Centre Fund, 266 Epworth Avenue, London, Ontario N6A 2M3.
Leave a tribute for Rosemary Thuss
Leave a tribute
Henry, you and Rosemary created a lasting legacy with the family you built together. Rose was a wonderful caring person dedicated to all of you. The love was obvious to us all. Rose will be remembered with joy and happiness for all the memories she gave us.
Wow, I'm shocked - just heard the news today while visiting my Dad in St. Thomas Back in our high school days I had SO much fun camping at Grand Bend with Rosie and the girls! To all of Rosie's family, I am so sorry of your loss.
Dearest Henry, Matthew & Beth, Kate & Gavin, Phillip & Crystal and Jane & Ross, and all your little ones, family Thuss & family McCoubrey, including all friends as well. To all ~ our hearts are sad and we mourn the loss of Rosemary who now becomes one God's busy Angels. We pray for her and to all we wish peace and love.
Lieve fam. wat erg dat Rosemary overleden is, we wensen jullie veel sterkte in deze moeilijke tijd en leven met jullie mee. Vrijdag zijn we in gedachten bij jullie en zullen bidden en een kaarsje voor haar opsteken hier. groeten en liefs van fam. jansen uit Loo
Henry and Family, I am so sorry to hear about Rosemary's passing and your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Just the thought of Rosie and her incredible humour not being around, leaves us with great sadness. She was one of a kind, she always had the ability to make you laugh. Her time was too short and we feel a profound sense of loss. Parties on Six Mile just won't be the same. She was such a firecracker. Our thoughts are with her family at this time.
We have such fond memories of your smiles, laughs and kindness, Rosemary. We celebrate your wonderful life that was cut too short. Our sincere condolences go to Henry and the family. It has been a difficult year and we feel bad that such good people had to go through this. Rosemary touched many lives in a most positive way.
Please accept our sincere condolences. Even in this darkest of hours, God is with you, helping you, holding you in the palm of his hands.... Viola and Lyle
Henry,Matthew,Kate,Phillip,Jane-and families/ family; Our hearts ache for your great loss. "Rosie"made our lives better for living-knowing her. We will always hold her special in our hearts. You all are great reflections of her , and her greatest loves, and accomplishments. May all of your happy memories always comfort all of you. Deepfelt sympathy and prayers.
Mike and I have heard a lot about this remakable woman over the years. We wish we had met her. She was obviously like the Thuss men we know and work with, good people. Matt, Henry and family we are so truly sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Remember she will always be a great lady.
Henry and Family. Our sincere condolences. May you find comfort in the many wonderful memories of Rosemary that are yours to cherish. We are glad we had an opportunity to meet Rosemary last fall. She was a very exceptional woman. You are all in our thoughts even though we are unable to be with you. Sending "Hugs" to Jane.
Dear Kate and family - our heartfelt sympathy to you. We were so touched by the description of your Mom and how she made friends and family a priority, as you also do. Cherish all your memories of good times and laughter with your Mom and she will always be in your heart. We're sending lots of love your way, Rob and Barb
Henry and family: Angela and I are sorry that we will not be able to attend the service for Rosemary. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. The tribute written by the kids is a wonderful description of Rose and her personality. She will be missed. Our memories of the good times we shared with her will always be with us.
Jane Please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of your Mother. May the years ahead be filled with fond memories of the many joyous times that you and your family shared with her. Bill and Barbara
Dear Henry and family - You have written such a powerful and wonderful tribute to Rosemary - beautiful words creating a wonderful picture . Our thoughts and wishes are with you as you travel this path. Treasure the memories and embrace each moment. John and Nancy
We are so sad to hear of Rosie's passing. I remember her as bright , cheery and full of life. Our heartfelt condolences to Henry and family as well as Alec, Mary Helen, Humphrey, Anne, John and their families. We will be thinking of you and wish you comfort and great memories.
The entire Thuss family has been close to the Nash's for years now. It pains to know that a major part of that family has moved on. My deepest condolences are with the family and friends of the Thuss family. Rosie touched so many hearts and will be deeply missed. Colin & Melissa Nash
Remembering you with smiles and laughter,that's how we will remember you! Keeping you in our hearts! Thank you for being a part of our lives! Love for you always, Martin and Susan Thuss Grand Bend
Henry, I am out of the country this week, but my thoughts are with you as your family celebrates a life ended too soon.
We were saddened to learn that Rosemary had passed on and offer our condolences. She was a cheerful, bright light.
Henry and Family, Phil and I were out of the country and just learned of Rosemary's passing. We are so very sorry for your loss of such a lovely wife, mother and grandmother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you...
Dear Henry and family, We are saddened to hear of the loss of Rosemary. Please accept our condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time. Diny (Toon), Nol (Els), Henk (Wil)
Rosie, I'll always remember you for your wonderful smile and your cheerful, positive outlook on life - God Speed. To Henry and Family and to my pals, Hugh and Judy, my condolences to you all.
Hi - we are Rosie's "work friends" as she liked to put it. We as a group will always remember her beaming smile and that resounding infectious laugh. The great memories of trips shared and times spent up at the Cottage bring smiles to our faces remembering the many belly laughs and the crazy antics that went on - mostly all instigated by Rosemary. She was always a trend setter and her sense of style the envy of us all. Her wit and humor was renowned and her positive outlook on life an inspiration to us all. The courage Rosemary showed over the last 2 years was amazing and I can honestly say I never heard her once complain about the hand she was dealt. So to you Henry and the family thank you for sharing that beautiful, delightful creature with us all. We will all treasure our memories of Rosemary and she will always have a special place in our hearts.
Dear Henry and Family. I was saddened to hear of the loss of your wife. I also love tulips and thought of her often as I glimpsed at my white tulips in the vase; white symbolizing clarity and beauty, very much like your description of her. Take care Henry.
Matthew, Beth and children . Sorry to read the loss of your mother Matthew. The notice was beautiful. It was a perfect story. You will have fond memories with each sunset. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Henry and Family. Please accept our sincerest condolences on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Phil, Jane, and family - I am thinking of you all at this time and also remembering your mom's smile - I only met her coming & going from dropping you guys off at school/ choir pratice, and seeing you at church, but from those brief meetings, I know how special she was. All my warmest thoughts are with you. Anne
Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Our sincere condolences to you Henry and family. Rosemary always had a smile on her face. May the good memories you have of her help you through this difficult time.
Such a vibrant warm and fun-loving cousin. Henry , my heart goes out to you and your family.
We will miss your smile and warmth Rosie.Hugs to Henry and family from New Zealand .Bill and Anne
Henry and family, please accept our sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Isn’t it terrible to die at such an age? Something we just cannot understand. We wish you all a lot of strength to overcome this loss.
Rosemary and I became good friends in high school; college roommates; each other's bridesmaid and shared many good times and laughs over the years. She came from a great family-the McCoubreys and she and Henry created a beautiful family. Henry, Matt, Kate, Phil + Jane....on behalf of the Meuniers, we send our sincere condolences on the heartbreaking loss of Rosemary. It was an absolute privilege for me to have witnessed her life.....Rosemary will be forever missed and always remembered. Big Hugs, Val
Jane and Family, Please accept our sincerest condolences for the loss of your loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with your and your family at this time.
I never new Rosemary but I knew John when growing up on King Street in St.Thomas. My heart goes out to all on the loss of your mother and sister. Jean, Rosemary and Karen Parker
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and family during this difficult time.
Henry and Family, Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We are thinking of you and your family. Tim, Debbie, Jonathan and Denise...
Henry, My heart goes out to you and all the family. I've been remembering lots of happy times with Rosemary this morning - she has left so many of us memories to treasure.
We're so sorry to hear about her passing, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I wish there was more we could say or do to help ease your pain.
Dear Henry and Family, What an enormous void Rosemary's death has left in your lives and the lives of all who have known her. She was a woman with a huge personality ... unforgettable.
Rosemary and I were cousins and we shares the same birthday. She was always a lot of fun, especially golfing in Ireland a number of years ago. I will miss her. To Henry, Matthew, Kate, Phillip and Jane, please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Henry and family, please accept our heartfelt condolences. Rosie was such a wonderful person and an inspiration to all, we will miss her. We just heard from Coub today by email.
Dear Henry and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Please accept our condolences. Rosie was so full of life, quick to laugh and a joy to be around. She will be sadly missed by all.
On behalf of the King's University College Students' Council, please accept our heartfelt sympathies. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family in this difficult time.
Gone too soon...we will keep the memories & her love in our hearts. Henry & family...you have walked this journey of courage with her & your love shone through...touched for witnessing it! Grace
Dear Henry and family, we are so sorry to hear about the passing of Rosemary. Please accept our condoleances. We are greatfull to have met her last summer at the reunion. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Dear Henry and Family, only met you once or twice whilst visiting our relatives in Canada we met Rosemary and remember her kindness and warmth. Please accept our condolences. Our thoughts are with you and loved ones at this very difficult time.
Dear Henry and family, We are very saddened to learn of Rosemary's passing. We trust in time some of your sorrow will be tempered by the warm memories y0u share of your wife and mother.
Nothing that we do makes sense if we don't touch the hearts of others. Rosemary touched many hearts. I will always remember how we laughed & laughed & laughed. She was simply "The Best"
Dear Henry and family, I am truly sorry Henry about your loss. Rosemary was a wonderful woman...I only met her the one time at the reunion about 12 or 13 years ago and found her to be a very cheerful, and positive person. I pray for you and your family, that your memories, the love of God, family and friends will bring you all great comfort during your time of sorrow... Sincerely and with love ... Rene
Kate, Gavin, Grace and Charlotte - my sincere condolensces to all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Chris
Please accept our sincere condolences Henry and to your family. We will miss Rosemary, she was a such a wonderful person and friend, we will keep all of you in our pray's. Jake & Irene
Henry, we are saddened to learn of Rosemarys passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very difficult time, please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Henry and Family - our sincere sympathy on the loss of Rosemary. She touched so many lives and all in very positive ways. My your many good menories be a comfort in the days to come. Thinking of you all here in Florida
Dear Henry and Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time . We were saddened to hear of the passing of your wife and Mother. Ken and Audrey
Paul and I were sad to here of your loss . Rosemary will surely be missed our condolances to you Henry and your family out thoughts and prayers are sent to you from our home here in Florida .
Matt and Beth, I was saddened to hear of your family's loss. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and may you all hold tight the memories of your wonderful mother. My thoughts are with you and your extended family at this time. ~Kristin (friend of Beth)
There is a big void on Six Mile Lake with Rosie's passing.... It was a beautiful day today as we sat here in Florida, but even the most beautiful days eventually have their sunsets. As we watched the sun disappear we knew it was not gone, just gone from our sight. It’s still the same big ol’ ball of fire as when it left our sight, and there are other eyes watching for the sun coming up on the other side, shouting “Here comes the sun!” We raised a toast to Rosie tonight, and to Henry and family our sincere condolences. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Phil, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Thoughts are with you and your family. Lucas
Hear Henry and family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We are so very sorry for your loss. Ken and Alison Lindsay
Life is a journey in search of wholeness. From our earliest moments until our last conscious breath we are building the person we are ! Rosemary,you have touched so many lives throughout your brief time with us and for that,we are all better people because of you. Henry,Matthew,Kate,Phillip and Jane,you have been blessed to share a spiritual life with a wife and mother who exuded life itself. Shalom my friend and until we meet again,may God hold you in the palm of His hands....Barb and Tom
Dear Henry and family, Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved Rosemary....and also we want to extend the condolences to the rest of your family as well....with love and prayers...Tante Fien and family
Rosie,so loved, worthy, faithful, with the best wit and humour - this will all be missed by so many. Rest in His hands my friend
Dear Henry and Family, With heartfelt sadness, please accept our condolences. Our thoughts are with you at this very difficult time.
Our angels in heaven will be rejoicing to have Rosemary among them. We will always remember Rosie as having such a twinkle in her eyes so when we see a bright star in the sky at night, we will blow her a kiss. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you all. Tim and Paula Mom, (Sandy's mom) has asked me to send you her deepest condolences. She holds you, Henry and Rosemary, very close to heart and sends her love out to all of you. Jean Pride
A wonderful mother, wife, sister & friend has left too early. Rosemary was loved by so many, who will miss her terribly. Our thoughts are with everyone at this time.
I had the great pleasure of golfing with Rosie at the Bluffs. Her fun personality and kind ways helped me enjoy that summer of golf. I am so happy I got to spend some beautiful summer mornings with her. She and her family will be in my prayers and thoughts. When I am golfing and see a butterfly I will think of her along with all the beautiful people that have left my life.
Henry and Family, my deepest sympathy on hearing about Rosemary's passing, so happy I got to see her last summer as you were passing through Mitchell to the cottage. I'm sorry I can't be there at this time, I'm in Holland again on business. I'll be around to see you when I get home. Almost a year since June passed March 4/11, you'll miss Rosemary as I miss June but the great memories never go away. Take Care
Rosie.... An extraordinary Women, a beloved Friend.... she shone SO brightly...I miss her light already. She earned her peace. Our world is forever changed without her.
I never new Rosie but heard so many wonderful things about her from Gail Papp. My condolences goes out to Rosie, Henry and her wonderful family and friends. I would have been blessed to meet her. May she rest in peace with the Angels.
Henry, we were out of the country last week, but wanted to pass on our condolences to both you and your family as you celebrate Rosie's life and all the love she shared with you. Hoping you find some comfort during this most difficult time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
~ Ken & Charlene Carruthers