New Glasgow, NS
January 27, 1958
It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness we announce the passing of Katherine (Kathy) Julia Rose, 66, of New Glasgow.
Born in Fairview, N.S on January 27, 1958, she was the youngest daughter of Lyle Rose and Mary Rose (nee O'Neill). Kathy remained in Fairview until February 1970 when a family visit to Toronto turned into a short term move that helped her discover the spirit of the 70's, the culture of which stuck with her until the day she passed. The family returned to Fairview briefly, and finally settled in Pictou County in the summer of 1971.
Kathy left school to pursue a career in local restaurants, working both in the kitchens and as a waitress. It was during these years that she honed her incredible cooking skills, often working alongside her mother, learning Mary's many kitchen secrets. In 1976, she began working at Zellers in New Glasgow, where she quickly worked up to a position at the customer service desk. She made many lifelong friends here, and enjoyed the job immensely but ultimately decided to pursue her education and attend vocational school in the fall of 1977 in Stellarton. She first obtained her High School Equivalency in 1978, followed by Commercial 2 (Secretarial) in 1979, graduating at the top of her class with honours. This later lead Kathy to a new career in 1980 at CIBC as a secretary in the loan department.
One fateful Saturday night in the fall of 1979 around midnight, after a dance at Goodman's, in true Pictou County fashion, Kathy and a couple of friends found themselves at Johnny James' Restaurant when three Michelin workers walked in after a 4-12. Having equal numbers, the girls accepted an invitation to hang out at "Day" boy’s apartment. Once at the apartment conversation ensued between her and Philip Fisher, little did she know at the time but he would become her life partner for more than 44 years, even though it took Philip another 6 months and his best friend Craig King to ask on his behalf, Kathy and Philip began dating in July of 1980.
With the love of her life by her side and a career she excelled at, it would appear life couldn’t get better for Kathy, but sadly just six months into their relationship in January of 1981, Kathy would find herself in hospital at the Victoria General in Halifax paralyzed from the neck down. The diagnosis was quickly determined to be Multiple Sclerosis. With little compassion, as was the style at the time, the neurologist told Philip to move on with his life, things would not improve. Boy was he wrong. Shortly after her devastating diagnosis, Kathy attended the Nova Scotia Rehab facility in Halifax to regain what faculties she could. While there, she learned that many people were much worse off than she was. This realization lit a fighting spirit that served her well during her many health battles over the years, and helped her make a remarkable recovery at the time. Though bound to wheelchair for the remainder of her life, she never once complained nor let it bother her. Life went on as normal.
On November 21, 1985, born three months premature, Kathy and Philip welcomed their only son Justin. Though not planned, he was the welcome addition that completed their family and Kathy could not have been more excited to be a mother, a role she excelled at. Though not always easy and often times challenging, you would be hard pressed to find a better mother. During his early school years, Justin was very stubborn but she always got through to him. She even taught him to ride a bike while Philip was away on a fishing trip. Kathy and Justin shared a deep-rooted love for classic rock, her taste in music was second to none, as well as a love for crime documentaries, and of course her home cooking. Always dreaming of being a grandmother and not hiding it from Justin, she was blessed with a grandson, Daxtin in May of 2022, and fell less than two months short of meeting her soon-to-be-granddaughter. Kathy always had a cat or three that she loved as much as additional children.
Aside from being a diligent mother, cat mom, and keeping the home fires burning for her family, Kathy had no shortage of activities to keep her busy. She always had a new craft on the go and willingly gave her time to many volunteer organizations for the disabled of Pictou County over the years.
She is survived by her partner of 44 years, Philip Fisher; their only son; Justin (Brittany) Fisher; grandson, Daxtin Fisher; granddaughter about to be born baby girl; sisters: Susan (Donald Frost) Rose, Vernette O'Neill; brothers: Bobby (Valerie) Rose, Billy (Yevette) Rose, Paul (Telly Law) O'Neill; brother-in-law, Arthur Fisher; sisters-in-law: Annie Mae (Bill) Nelson, Myrna (Stephen) Logan, Treasure (Amos) Margeson; many nieces and nephews; best friend since childhood, Verlie Tyson; lifelong friend, Violet (Sis) Harris; and fur baby, Bella.
She was predeceased by her parents and long-time close friend, Nancy Caddell.
Philip and Justin would like to take the opportunity to sincerely thank Dr. T.R Park M.D (ret.), Darren Blakader (N.P), Robin Fraser (R.N), Megan Smith (LPN), Steve Schlay (RN), Jacquelyn Jamieson (RN), Angela Kirwin (LPN), Ashley Lewis (LPN), Janet Dempsey (CCA), Jen MacNeil (CCA), Suzanne MacKeigan (CCA), Linda MacLeod (CCA), as well as the staff of the Aberdeen Hospital Palliative Care Unit. All of whom showed exemplary compassion, and went above and beyond.
Always a cat lover, we ask that donations in Kathy's name may be made to the Pictou County Chapter of CARMA Cat Rescue.
In accordance with her wishes, a private family graveside burial will take place at a later date.
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