Obituary of Rose Peters

Rose was born in Steinbach on June 19th, 1928, and passed away on Tuesday, February 28th, 2023.

Rose’s beloved husband, Jac W. Peters, passed away in July of 2022. She was predeceased by her parents, Jacob R. and Helena Barkman, brothers Harvey (deceased as an infant), Levi (Laura), Pete (Hilda), Gordon (Norma), Lawrence & Doris, brother-in-law Allen Lysack (Shirley), sister Mintie & Bill Toews, and sister-in-law Joanne Barkman.

She is survived by her siblings and in-laws: Laura Barkman, Hilda Barkman, Norma Barkman, Shirley Lysack (Allen), John Barkman (Marcia) and Betty Anne Funk.

Left to miss her are her children: Jane Duerksen (Ken), Alan Peters (Caroline Pon), Jackie Peters (Alex) and in-law Curt Rempel.

Rose’s grandchildren, who she loved dearly, are: Ang Suderman (Joe), John Duerksen (Heidi), Kirk Duerksen (Alana), Rowan Rempel, Raina Friesen, Bronwyn Rempel, Kadri Rempel, Anya Peters and Hannah Peters.

Part of a happy family of 10 (she was the middle child), her childhood was spent on the dairy farm, where, in spite of her easy-going nature, she protested that operating and cleaning the cream separators was a job beneath her dignity. However, when tasked with clearing the long dry grass near the barns, she and a sibling enthusiastically complied. Thinking outside the box, they chose to burn the grass, which efficiently also eliminated a barn. As she recalled, grampa remained surprisingly calm when surveying the final result.

Following Grade 11, Mom started a job as a teller at the Royal Bank.

While attending a wedding, she met Jac, one of the “handsome, dark haired ” Peters brothers. On September 9th of 1950 they married and began their 71 years together.

Mom followed dad to Mafking, Manitoba where dad cut lumber for his brother in law Ed Penner. Mom, now a married woman, had to quit her treasured Royal Bank teller position to spend her days chopping wood to keep their little hut warm.

Mom was active and enjoyed the outdoors throughout her life. Walking, golfing, biking, downhill and cross-country skiing were her loves. Following a day on the links the kids often heard her say “Oh horrors!  What to make for supper!” all the while laughing as she rushed around the kitchen. Mom had a casual get ‘er done approach to cooking – nonchalantly lifting the crust to add forgotten sugar to pies after the fact.

Mom had the ability to stretch a budget. Sewing various creations for the children from used adult clothing was her forte. Not requiring a lot for herself was another way of making ends meet.

Mom held various positions in her part time work life: hospital receptionist, Sears store clerk, Economy Foods checkout clerk, bookkeeper, librarian, and volunteer at the thrift shop. Babysitting for the grandchildren sometimes filled her week. Grandchildren would be hauled along to her work spots - the library and the thrift shop.  Mom never said no to babysitting.

Many people visited mom and dad’s home of 56 years on Ash Street and they delighted in the friends and family drop-ins. Everyone enjoyed the laughter and the kibitzing. They were members of the Steinbach EMB church, later renamed Cornerstone Church, which formed a significant part of their interactions. Quieter evenings were spent reading the newspaper and doing the crossword and jumble.

Life became difficult when dad started forgetting and falling. Mom remained supportive and kind throughout dad’s plummeting health. Her strong dedication to her husband created a relaxed atmosphere for all.

In her last year, mom showed her true colors; she handled leaving her beloved home and managed several daunting moves with dignity and sometimes humor. She was a pillar for dad throughout her life and even in their failing moments. First to Bridgepark Manor, then Brightwater Assisted Living, then Brightwater Memory Care (after a failed attempt to heist a ‘red’ car in the dead of the night), and finally to the beautiful new Rest Haven where she was able to visit with and be supported by her sister Betty Anne next door. 

We are thankful for and will dearly miss mom’s dedication to her family, her laid back non-judgmental nature, her humor and love of a good joke and her voice as she read crossword clues. We appreciate the kind and gracious care she received in Rest Haven and Brightwater. Finally, we are grateful for the gentle way she slipped from her earthly body while asleep the morning of February 28th.

Burial will take place on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB, and all are welcome to attend.

The celebration of life will take place on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB. To join the family via livestream, please click HERE shortly before the start of the service.

If friends so desire, donations in memory of Rose may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee.