Rose Griffith Black was born to Harry and Mabel Black on August 12, 1911 at their home in the Puffer District. It took a while for her birth to be registered, and somehow in the process, the date changed to August 11. So she always had her choice of birthdays, her real one and the official one! Her favourite birthday may have been her 90th, when she threw herself two parties for her family, friends and neighbours.
She said “I want to have a party that I get to attend, ‘cause I’m not going to be there for my funeral!”
Rose grew up in the Brownfield area, one of 13 children. In 1937, she married Walter Polege and together they had five children: Stanley, Robert, Betty, Henry and Hellen. Her years on the farm were full of gardens and meals, of church and quilts and knitting– she was happiest when she was busy and had the chance to help someone. She loved to read and trying new adventures – including hot air balloons and helicopters! Her faith was an integral part of her life and she was a lifelong member of the Fairfield (Brownfield) Baptist Church.
She and Walter were blessed by 13 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. After Walter passed away in 1983, she moved into Coronation, and eventually to Stettler and then Calgary for her final years. She passed away peacefully on May 8, 2014 at the age of 102 years.
She is survived by her loving children Betty Polege, Henry Polege and Hellen Edgar; her daughter-in-law Liz, her sister Dorothy Lake, sisters-in-law Mary Black and Doris Black, 13 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Walter, her sons Stanley and Robert, daughters-in-law Mae and Jean, and 11 of her brothers and sisters.
As a family we are grateful for the love and acceptance she gave to each of us and we value the example that she set. Thank you to each one who has come to honour her today.
Funeral services to celebrate Rose’s life took place at the Brownfield Baptist Church on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at 2 p.m.with Pastor Al Richardson officiating. The interment took place earlier that day at the Fairfield Cemetery where Rose was laid to rest with her husband Walter.
As an expression of sympathy and in loving memory of Rose, memorial contributions may be made to the Fairfield Cemetery or to a charity of your choice in care of Coronation Funeral Home P.O. Box 358 Coronation, Alberta TOC 1CO who have been entrusted with the care and funeral arrangemetns. 403.578.2928 Condolences can be forwarded to the family by visiting our website at www.coronationfuneralhome.ca.
