Rose Mary LUCAS

BALTRUSAITIS Rose Mary (nee Lucas) 1911 - 2006 Rose Mary Baltrusaitis (nee Lucas), beloved wife of the late Edward Baltrusaitis of Calgary, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 at the age of 94 years. Rose, an adoring wife, mother and grandmother, was an indomitable spirit and will be greatly missed by her friends and family. Rose loved the idea that she was born in a flourish with the passage of Haley's Comet in 1911... "at the end of a comet's tail." Rose learned the work ethic of a Lithuanian immigrant's family with six children, and was raised during the Great Depression in the steel town of Youngstown, Ohio. She loved music and literature and developed her tremendous vocal talent through a music scholarship at the Cleveland Conservatory before meeting her "gorgeous" husband Ed and moving to Calgary in the early 1950's. Rose soon joined Grace Presbyterian Church where she was soprano soloist with a passion for performance, which lasted her a lifetime. The joys of the Junior Choir and the Bell Ringers she helped establish at Grace fifty years ago live on to this day, through the legacy of Rose's choristers, many of whom, now in their fifties and sixties, still led musical celebrations. These "kids" were among Rose's greatest joys, and the choir one of her proudest accomplishments. She was a much-loved member of the Hot Rocks, a social group whose high times are legendary among friends and family. Rose is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Gus Kennedy; son and daughter-in-law, Victor and Cecilia; her daughters, Rose Mary and Johanna Baltrusaitis; six grandchildren, Christina Baltrusaitis, Jonathan (Julie) Baltrusaitis, Ted (Jan Marie) Baltrusaitis, Jennifer Palumbo, Melissa (Scott) Philbrook, and Jeremy Palumbo. Her first great-grandchild is expected this week. She was predeceased by her husband Ed and son Ted. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at a Memorial Service to be held at Grace Presbyterian on Monday, April 10, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Victor Kim, Presider. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com . If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the "Rose Baltrusaitis Memorial Music Scholarship Fund" at Grace Presbyterian Church, 1009 - 15 Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T2R 0S5 (Telephone 403-244-5861). The family would like to extend a special thank-you to Rose's devoted caregivers at Trinity Lodge and the Chinook Care Centre. In living memory of Rose Baltrusaitis, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: 403-243-8200.