Obituary of Rose Elizabeth Barkhouse

BARKHOUSE, Rose "Rosie" Elizabeth – Age 76 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Rosie Elizabeth Barkhouse, age 76, on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow. Born on July 2, 1949, in Sheet Harbour, Rosie was a daughter of the late Alphonse and Gladys (Barkhouse) Gillis. Rosie was a lifelong member of the Sheet Harbour community and was known for her boundless energy, generosity, and dedication to helping others. Throughout her working life, Rosie was employed at Bluenose Motel in Bedford, Sheet Harbour Motel, Beaver Acres, Fairwinds, babysitting for Howard and Patty, and Eastern Shore Memorial Hospital, from which she retired after 32 years of service. Rosie was deeply involved in her community. She was a proud member of the Sheet Harbour Volunteer Fire Department, Ground Search and Rescue, Legion Branch 58 Ladies Auxiliary, Sheet Harbour Wildlife Association, and the Sheet Harbour Snowmobile Club. Rosie could often be found selling tickets for just about anything, playing women’s softball, attending bingo and dances, bowling—including the Firefighters Burn Unit Bowlarama—playing darts, skating, cooking, volunteering at the fish derby, or helping plan and run community events. Her willingness to lend a hand was unmatched. Rosie is survived by her loving family: daughter Annette Barkhouse; daughter-in-law April Barkhouse; grandchildren Shania, Noah, Ocean, River, Bailey, Brook, Storm, and Rayna; great-grandchildren Jax, Blake, Jasper, Neveah, Anastasia, Aurora and Remington; and her cherished grand fur baby Shasta. She is also survived by her sisters Dorothy Russell (Truro), Isabel (Don) Whitehead (Windsor), Irene Naugler (Moser River), and Catherine Lowe (Sheet Harbour); brothers Grant (Peggy) Gillis (Sheet Harbour), Harold (Cathy) Gillis (Sackville), and Steven (Julie) Gillis (Sheet Harbour); and sister-in-law Helen Gillis (Sheet Harbour). Rosie was predeceased by her beloved husband Stephen, her son Allan, her brothers Wallace, Ross, Hugh, and Anthony, and her fur grand baby Sambucca. Special thanks to the staff at the Aberdeen Hospital, especially Tia, Courtney, Brianna and Abbey on the 4th floor surgery unit. Rosie’s kindness, laughter, and tireless volunteer spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Visitation will be held Friday January 9 from 7-9pm in DS Crowell & Son Funeral Home, 22558 Highway 7, Sheet Harbour. A graveside Committal will be held Saturday January 10 at 1pm in St. Peter’s RC Cemetery, Sheet Harbour. Reception to follow at the Sheet Harbour Legion Branch 58. Donations in Rosie’s memory may be made to the Burn Unit.