By Archbishop Anne

“We thank you Lord, that Rosalie was to us a godly example in word and action, in love and patience and in holiness of life.” – Taken from a prayer following the consecration of a priest in the Anglican Church.

It is with sorrow and heartfelt gratitude for a life well lived in the service of our Lord we announce the death of the Rev. Canon Rosalie Goos, in the early hours of Thursday morning, August 29th, 2024 at Andy’s House Hospice in Port Carling, Muskoka.  Her devoted and loving son Mike was by her side and she was surrounded by the prayers of the wider church. Canon Rosalie is predeceased by her beloved husband Ken in 2012.

We offer our condolences and the assurance of our prayers and practical support to the Goos family in this time of loss and sorrow.  I would like to offer a special word of gratitude to Archdeacon Kelly Baetz and Mrs. Lynn McBride for their tender care of Canon Rosalie and Mike over the last difficult days following Canon Rosalie’s stroke.

Involvement in the life of the church began early for Canon Rosalie. She was raised in the Moravian Church in Lake Mills Wisconsin (now a full communion partner with the Anglican Church of Canada) where she enjoyed youth ministry. She moved to Labrador in 1969 where she taught music and religious education and became involved at St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Wabush. During this time Canon Rosalie met and married Ken and they had their son Michael in 1974. She became the parish assistant and then the lay incumbent in the Parish of Labrador West (1982-1985) which was a large two point parish.

After moving to Sault Ste. Marie in 1986 Canon Rosalie became a member of St. Matthew’s Anglican Church. This parish had a connection with St. John’s in Garden River and Canon Rosalie served as lay person in charge until her ordination in 1996 when she became the priest in charge. Her great love of God’s people at St. John’s continued throughout her ministry and in 2024 at the age of 85 she was still celebrating Holy Eucharist and being a mentor and guide to raise up new lay leaders at St. John’s. A sacred fire will burn in Garden River in honour of Canon Rosalie.

In 1988 Canon Rosalie was appointed the Diocesan Stewardship and Parish Development Officer , a position she held for eleven years. It was in her travels around our vast diocese that Canon Rosalie become a much loved and well known figure. She assisted parishes in the areas of education, parish life, preparing mission statements, teaching new hymns and offering leadership training bringing her joy-filled hopeful spirit and her energy with her wherever she went.

In one of her messages to the diocese around Thanksgiving Canon Rosalie wrote: “This is the time of the year for a concentrated expression of gratitude, not just for the harvest, but for all of our many blessings. One of the best ways to express our gratitude is to use wisely those things with which we have been entrusted. That involves then, not just a day, or a season, but a whole lifetime of committing ourselves to the judicious use of God’s creation and of the time and abilities which have been given to us as ‘gifts of life.’” 

Parish ministries for Canon Rosalie included being the incumbent of St. Thomas’ in Bracebridge (1999-2005); incumbent of the Parish of St. Joseph and St. George (2006 – 2011); the Pastoral Chaplain for Muskoka; a faithful member of the diocesan ACW; an Honourary Assistant at St. Joseph and St. George. In her retirement Canon Rosalie travelled up Highway 17 North to offer services of worship to St. Paul’s Wawa and All Saints White River. She helped during the interim period at Holy Trinity Parish Sault Ste. Marie, at St. James Goulais River, and St. John’s Garden River. One of the highlights of last year was celebrating Eucharist at a joint service of Emmaus Anglican and Zion Lutheran, shortly after the Moravian Church became a full communion partner.

Her favourite retreat place was the cottage and Sunday summer ministry at Christ Church Gregory.  She hardly ever missed a clericus gathering offering her wisdom to her colleagues in ministry and she loved all of the receptions at Bishophurst with her and Mike serving as local guides for visitors. She was a true ambassador for Christ and Algoma.

I had the privilege of naming Rev. Rosalie as a Canon of St. Luke’s Cathedral Church at our Synod in May 2019.

In her personal life Canon Rosalie enjoyed attending live concerts and performances,  aquabics, bike riding, her singing group, reading, and getting together with good friends. And she was a big fan of the Green Bay Packers giving her and other football fans much to talk about during football season. She will be fondly remembered by long-time residents of William McMurray as she organized Christmas Carols at the Christmas party held in the Synod office and always brought her bells for people to join in. Canon Rosalie will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by everyone whose life she touched.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Canon Rosalie,  “Our companion in faith and sister in Christ, May Christ, who was crucified for you take you into his Kingdom. 

May Christ the Good Shepherd give you a place within his flock. 

May you see your Redeemer face to face and delight in the vision of God forever.” (Franciscan Prayer)

We give thanks for the joy of knowing Canon Rosalie and pray that God will be close to the brokenhearted who miss her greatly.

Your bishop and friend in Christ,

+Anne