Rozalia Kiraly

Rozalia [Rose] Kiraly died on Sunday, December 7th, 2025 after a life filled with adventures, adversity, and joy. After a month-long battle with multiple infections and kidney failure, Rose recovered enough to communicate that she was done fighting. She passed away peacefully, holding the hands of her family who had been at her side throughout her struggles. Rose is remembered as a funny, kind, creative and determined mother, grandmother, and friend.

Born in 1939, in the tiny town of Kisbér, Hungary, Rose was a happy child who loved to run and play. At the age of five, she contracted polio and was paralyzed below the waist for almost a year. Miraculously, amidst the ravages of war, she recovered and learned to walk for the second time. Rose did well in school and learned bookkeeping as a profession. She loved her job at the local postoffice. During the 1956 Revolution, at the age of 17, she left Hungary with nothing but a few friends. She built a life in Oshawa where she got married, learned English and had three daughters - Sue, Kathy, and Chris. She was also deeply loved by her son-in-laws, four grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

In 1970, the family was in a terrible car accident. Rose broke many bones, especially in her legs. After many months in hospital, she learned to walk again. In 1980, when she divorced, Rose returned to work, eventually becoming the Manager at a uniform store in the Oshawa Shopping Centre. She loved the camaraderie with her colleagues. Chatting with medical professionals who came to buy their scrubs was a particular pleasure. Being on her feet all day became too much and she had to have corrective surgery on both legs. So, Rose learned to walk for the fourth time in the 1990s. Since leaving the store, Rose turned her artistic skills to crafting and loved selling her many wares at craft shows. In the early 2000s, Rose had both knees replaced and, you guessed it, learned to walk again. In 2022, a blister on her left foot developed into a diabetic ulcer. By late 2022, she had to have her leg amputated below the knee. Six months later, she was getting up, out of her wheelchair and learning to walk for the sixth time on her prosthetic leg. After 35 years, in May of 2025, Rose moved out of her beloved coop apartment and into Long-Term Care. She thrived in The Houses of Providence. She made friends easily, loved the staff, and the activities. Rose enjoyed trips to Tim Hortons on the hospital side and relished WheelTrans rides [even though they were mostly to medical appointments].

Rose’s indomitable spirit and relentless optimism helped her overcome many challenges. It also touched a lot of hearts. No matter what she was facing, she was thankful to all who helped her and loved sharing her positivity with others. Rose found beauty - and a use - in the smallest things. She loved finding a patch of wildflowers or weeds and would pick them to press for cards. Fallen pine cones were gathered to make wreaths. In the hospital, she discovered that they threw out industrial toilet paper rolls. She asked if she could have some, because they made wonderful Christmas drum ornaments. On discharge, the maintenance staff presented her with a giant clear bag full!

Rose will be deeply missed by her family and friends, near and far. She asked that we remember her by helping those that help others. Specifically, she named the Unity family https://providencehealthcarefoundation.com/RoseKiraly. Donations will be split between St. Mike’s, Providence Hospital, and the Houses of Providence.

Rose’s body has been aquamated/resumated https://www.affordableburialsandcremations.ca/liquid-cremation-aquamation. There will be a Celebration of her inspiring life in the spring. Contact her family for details chriskiraly@gmail.com