Rose was born in Germany in 1938 and immigrated with her family to Montreal, QC during WW2 after surviving time in an internment camp. Rose proudly spoke of Canada and the Canadians that came to their rescue in Germany during the war. It is truly poetic that she spent her last day living on Canada’s birthday, enjoying live music in the Canadian summer sun.
Rose spent her adolescent life in Montreal where she met her lifelong partner, Richard Robinson who lovingly referred to her as ‘Marie’. Together they relocated to Dryden, Ontario in 1958 where they raised three daughters and built the homestead she filled with love, countless animals, the best Christmas hams, and German desserts until 2023.
Rose is survived by her younger brothers, John, Egon, and Rudy Gross, sisters-in-law Jackie and Bridie Robinson; daughters Charlene (Richard; children Taylor and Spencer) Hough, Sandra (Wally) Ostman, Darlene Fuerst (Garth Wintle), grandchildren; Kyle (Carly) Ostman, Sonny (Jessy) Ostman, Karrah (Mike) Galeotafiore, Kelsey (Colin) Barton, and Egon Fuerst, great-grandchildren, Walle, Zayah, Scotlynn, Lennon, Shay, and Lilly, as well as a large extended family and boundless friends within the Dryden community.
Rose leaves us to join her husband Richard Robinson, trusty delivery sidekick Memphis the black lab, her parents John and Klara Gross, numerous brother and sisters-in-law, her good friends Rose Jaszczyszak, Jane Larmand and the historic Montreal Canadien Hockey Elites Henri “Rocket” Richard and Dickie Moore.
Rose was famous in the Dryden and surrounding area for her notable presence at the Dryden Arena ringing her cowbell, manning the bench doors, providing words of encouragement to players of all skill levels, and words of discouragement to referees when it was surely deserved.
Rose worked tirelessly within the community as a parcel delivery driver for many years. Her workday typically started with a small black coffee, followed by hours of chats with all who knew her throughout the town. She would spend more time in her day talking about life in Montreal, Dryden Eagles Hockey or her Grandchildren in general than she did delivering packages.
Rose was a confident and resilient woman who wore her pride for her family and her country on her sleeve. She fought the creeping symptoms of dementia for many years, a disease which took pieces of Grandma from us little by little until the very end. She fought long and hard to maintain her independence and did so with stubborn grace and laughter.
There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place.
The family invites you to join them for a Celebration of Life at the Dryden Community Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 2 p.m.
With Grandma Rose filling such an impactful role for so many, the family would like to encourage you to come prepared to share stories of Rose or “Mrs. R” as we know her reach was far and wide.
In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire donations can be made to Dryden Minor Hockey or Dryden Girls Hockey, Box 141, Dryden ON P8N 2A7
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Richard Hough says
July 3, 2025 at 3:49 pmHi Rose..sorry I could not make the trip with Charlene but know that you have been apart of my family for 25 years when Charlene and I first met in Sioux Lookout. I remember coming to your house as a shy man being introduced to you and Richard many years ago. Please remember that you were always loved by everyone who knew you especially your family; you made each and everyone of them so proud and would do anything, no matter what time of day or night, to help whoever needed it. Say hi to Richard for me and may you Rest in Peace. We will always remember and love you.
Lisa Bruvall Smith says
July 3, 2025 at 3:51 pmCondolences to the family. Had many conversations with Rose over the years and she always made me smile. May the memories of such a spunky lady help you through this difficult time.