Obituary of Rose Angela McGale

Rose Angelina McGale (Toner)

Born April 27, 1927, in the Township of Dymond (New Liskeard)

Rose (Rosie) McGale passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her daughter, granddaughter, and great grandson on January 31, 2023, at Water’s Edge Care Community Home in North Bay, Ontario. She was in her 96^th year.

Devoted wife of the late Martin Joseph McGale for 57 years, beloved mother of her deceased sons Allan (Audet), and John and her late daughter Kathy. Survived by her son Dan and daughter Deborah. Rose was the youngest of the 6 children in the Toner Clan and was predeceased by her 3 brothers and 2 sisters.

She will be missed by granddaughters Karen and Jackie, grandsons Al and Iain, great granddaughters Piper, Rowan and Eloise and great grandsons Alexandre, Daxton and Kayden.

A favourite Aunt to many, her nieces, nephews, neighbours, and friends will miss the aroma of fresh baked goods when her welcoming door opened with that infectious smile. She was well known for her pies (blueberry/raspberry/lemon meringue), jams, beet pickles, butter tarts, peanut butter and sweet Marie balls. Her homemade bread/buns were legendary as were the homemade egg salad on cheese bread sandwiches prepared for weary travellers arriving to her home after the kitchen had closed or travelling to outdoor concerts/festivals.

Rose and Martin settled in North Bay to raise their family of 5. Dad travelled the world with his career in the diamond drilling industry while Mom raised their 5 children, one of whom was a daughter with a developmental challenge.

Mom was very involved in the community which included memberships and volunteer work with: Community Living, The Golden Age Club, The Catholic Women’s League (CWL for over 50 years), and the Nipissing Country Music Association.  For many years Mom was the local Avon Lady for our North Bay neighbourhood, and she enjoyed the interaction and friendships this cultivated.

In retirement Mom was able to enjoy international travel initially with Dad to Florida and Cuba and after he passed, she took cruises/trips with her children, sister, niece and travelling companions to Europe, Alaska, Panama, and Ireland. She had a love for all things “Casino” and whether it be a cruise ship Casino, Las Vegas, Sudbury Downs or a Tisdale bus tour to Casino Rama or Niagara she enjoyed these adventures, and the Casino live concerts. She also enjoyed Euchre games with family/friends.

Dancing and Square dancing were also favourite activities that Mom enjoyed, and she was thrilled to move to a condo across the street from the Golden Age Club where she later became a lifetime member.

Mom spent her final 4 months at the Water’s Edge surrounded by an amazing staff of professional and caring nursing/recreational/maintenance and administrative teams and PSW students. Staff repeatedly referred to her as “sharp as a whip” and her sense of humour was appreciated by all. It was her last “all inclusive” vacation and she was thrilled to have daily meals, and snacks prepared and served to her. She found a new best friend in her room mate who provided support during transitional times.

Mom spent last summer in the Flex Ward at the North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC) awaiting her new home and again was fortunate to have a caring, and empathetic nursing staff for which we are very thankful.

Cremation has taken place. We will arrange a small celebration of her life for family and friends in the spring when travel is less challenging.

If desired, donations to honour Mom can be made to Community Living North Bay, a cause dear to her heart.

Online condolences can be made at with www.martynfh.com

Gone but not forgotten, love you Mom.