Prince Edward County lost a legendary figure on October 17. Susan Rose was known to all as a tireless contributor to the good of the community, especially through her four decades of work as founder of the PEC Angel Tree Campaign, which brings Christmas gifts to children in need, and food to their families.

Last month, she earned a Civic Recognition Award as an Outstanding Volunteer. The citation read as follows:

“Few volunteers have demonstrated the same level of long-term commitment and dedication as Susan Rose.

“More than 35 years ago, Susan recognized a need and set out to make a difference. What began as the Prince Edward County Christmas Angel Tree Program has grown into a cherished tradition that has brought hope and support to thousands of local children and families.

“Through Susan’s vision, dedication, and the support of many volunteers and community partners, the program has helped ensure families in need experience the joy, dignity, and spirit of the holiday season.

“While countless families have benefited from the PEC Angel Tree Program, Susan’s greatest legacy is the culture of kindness, generosity, and caring she has inspired in others. Through decades of volunteer service, Susan has made a lasting difference in Prince Edward County.”

Following her retirement in 2023, the Angel Tree Program has continued its work and is now officially sponsored by Picton Rotary.

“The new executive of the Angel Tree were very saddened at the passing of Sue,” said the Angel Tree Chair, Julie Miller. 

“Each year since we stepped into the very large footprints that Sue left we have strived to maintain her legacy of compassion and kindness. It’s very telling that our group has five members, continuing the work Sue did virtually alone! 

“Her legacy will be remembered for years as we use her framework to support children and families and this cherished community tradition will continue to bring hope and joy to PEC.”

Ms. Rose will also be remembered as former club President and Executive Member of the Picton Pirates, and as head curator at both the Rose House and Mariners museums. She served as a councillor in North Marysburgh for the decade prior to amalgamation.

More privately, but no less in keeping with her selfless work for the community, she was a foster parent to nearly 200 children through the 1980s and 90s. “Some were there for a weekend, some for years and lots in between,” her son, Mark Rose, recalls. The family were also dairy farmers in Waupoos before selling the farm in 1995.

Susan Rose was many good things to many people. As Mark puts it, “Mom’s sort of like an onion: many layers to her legacy here.”

The remarkable trait of her public service was the personal engagement with which she did it. Former Picton Gazette editor Jason Parks’s social media tribute captures the essence of the community’s sentiments: 

“This lady. A County original. Never minded sharing a story, talking about the good old days, voicing her opinions or telling me about the way things ought to be. But above all, she never let any local family go without gifts or food during Christmas. Fly high Sue. You were truly a Christmas angel to so many in Prince Edward County. My family and hundreds of other families will always remember you.”

A celebration of life will be held at the North Marysburgh Recreation Hall on Sunday November 1st from 1-4pm.

The Rose family asks that those who wish to do so make memorial donations to the PEC Angel Tree Campaign. Click here or send e-transfers to [email protected].