It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Rosemarie Nielsen (Petruk), in her 89th year. She passed peacefully with angels by her side at Humber River Hospital on October 7, 2025.

Born on August 31, 1936, in Val D'or, Quebec, Rosemarie was the beloved daughter of the late Stella Petruk (nee Kostiuk) and Dimitri Petruk who immigrated from Volhynia Gubernia, Roanoke in the Ukraine in 1918. They lived in Larder Lake and later on moved to Toronto in 1950.

Rosemarie’s life was full. In the early days she worked for Nestle Canada, Eaton’s, Canadian Nation Exhibition, for Beckett and Associates and IBM. She studied at Parkdale Collegiate and went to Dominion Business College. Her true passion was her time she spent working for York International in 1969 and assisting with the establishment of what was known as the York-Kenya Project. She was in her element and for 33 years she travelled the world while representing York University. She visited 53 countries, visited Sweden 8 times and Africa 9. Long after she retired those friendships lasted the rest of her life. Rosemarie was a board member of the Toronto China Friendship Association. During retirement she was active on the Cheddi Jagan Annual Lecture committee through York International, CERLAC (the Centre for Research on Latin America and the Caribbean), and participated on committees through YURA (York University Retirement Association). She was also a member at Pine Valley Golf and Country Club.

Work wasn’t all that made Rosemarie who she was. She was daughter, sister, grandmother, aunt, best friend. Most importantly, she was the proud mother of her late son Randy. Family meant everything to her, from the holiday gatherings, backyard BBQ’s, to a drive into the country for lunch or an afternoon swim in a backyard pool. She loved to be with each and every one. She loved to play golf, dance, she enjoyed an old movie, a fine restaurant and a great book. In essence, Rosemarie enjoyed life her way, to the fullest and right to end!

Rosemarie is survived by her granddaughter Melissa and her daughter-in-law Sylvia (nee Shewalter). She was auntie to Russell Thomas, Suzanne Maitland (nee Thomas), Gregory Thomas, Justin Thomas, Kiersten Thomas, Nicholas Maitland, Stephanie Maitland, Christopher Maitland, Cecilia Thomas and Daniel Thomas. She is preceded in death by late Randy Nielsen (beloved son), the late Nina Thomas (nee Petruk) (sister) and the late Russell Thomas (brother-in-law).

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.