Obituary of Elaine Rosekat

At her home, as she wished, on Sunday, November 5, 2023, Elaine Rosekat of Wingham, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, after a brief illness at the age of 86.

Devoted mother of Marla Montgomery, Angela & Bernie Bailey, Maria Gomes, Melinda & Dave Hodgins and Manny & Jenn Gomes. Cherished "Noanie/Grandma" of Nathan (Amanda) Montgomery, Ryan (Mary) Montgomery, Tyson (Emily) Montgomery and Brendan (Brittany) Thebeau; Patrick (Stacey) Bailey, Crystal (Ryan) Cammaert; Jordan, Brock and Spencer Hodgins; and Kirstie (Chadd) and Austin Gomes.  She will be mourned by her nine great-grandchildren, that she looked so forward to seeing and by many nieces and nephews. Loving sister of Darlene & John Logel and Elizabeth Kuntz. Elaine's cherished pets, Hannah, Callie, Willow and Bo Bo will be lost without the center of their world.

Predeceased by her son David Rosekat (1986), husband Alfred Rosekat, parents Louis & Loretta Kuntz and sister Gloria Gesinghaus.

A Few Words From Her Children:

Our mom lived a heavy life. She was widowed at 22 with a 6-month old son, David. Over time, we have come to appreciate how this led to a series of complicated choices that ultimately meant she raised her six children on her own in less than ideal circumstances, always making difficult choices and working through so many challenges. At the same time she struggled with mental health issues all along; this is a story in itself and it began during a time when very little was known about it. Wanting answers to questions about her faith that were simply too big, added to her turmoil, rather than giving her peace.

She needed her children to become her sheltering tree, and we did just that.  We cared for her, protected her, worked to understand her and ultimately became her only windows to the rest of the world. In many ways our roles blurred even though she had a keen desire for independence, as this was actually her greatest strength.

In her final days she explicitly chose to leave money to the Huron Women's Shelter; she wanted to make a difference for young mothers who need support, support that was not available when she needed it. She understood that society has evolved, and avoiding challenging family situations is ideal, but not always reality, yet.

She has taught us that there is danger in listening to or defining someone by a single story, as it leads to critical misunderstandings.  She was so much more than she was capable of allowing most others to see and appreciate. She was an excellent writer, thought creatively, had an amazing memory, loved nearly any kind of puzzle, was witty, and was intuitively accepting of all lifestyles and cultures, well before it was politically correct. She taught us well.

We want to believe that wherever she is, she is doing what she loves, caring for children and animals, the only difference is this, that she is in a place where she can do this with joy, all resources possible and no barriers anywhere in sight.

Mom: We have said your piece, we have said your peace.

A special thank you to Dr. Greg Antoniadis who helped facilitate her care at home, free of all pain, "anxiety is pain", and who took good care of her family.

A private family service will take place on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 with interment at Brussels Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Huron County Women’s Shelter would be appreciated.