Rosalia Scott

It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Rosalia Scott (née Sabo) in her home at Kamloops Seniors Village on June 19, 2025.

Rose was born in Kamloops BC, a daughter of Hungarian immigrants, and grew up in the Sumas Prairie near Abbotsford. She worked on her parents’ dairy farm while attending school. In 1957, after receiving her one-year teaching certificate, Rose received her initial teaching assignment in Lillooet. It was here that “Miss Sabo” met Ian, a construction worker on the Terzaghi Dam. They married on August 1st, 1959.

The family followed Ian’s work assignments to Squamish, Abbotsford, Surrey, Powell River, Nakusp, Seton Portage, and finally Lillooet again in 1979. Along the way Rose taught elementary school in Woodfibre, Bridge River, and Lillooet. She took a special interest in First Nations education, and early in her career authored the book From First Moon to End of Year.

Rose completed her Bachelor of Education degree from UBC in 1991. In 1993 she became principal for the outlying schools in the Lillooet School District, driving to Bridge River, Gold Bridge and Pavilion year-round, with Ian joining when conditions were challenging. Rose retired in 1995. In retirement she became an avid golfer, was an active member of Toastmaster’s International, and a founding member of the Lillooet Seniors Club.

In her latter years Rose faced health challenges head-on with remarkable strength and determination, not letting them affect her positive outlook on life. Curious until the end, Rose always held a genuine interest in the lives of others, offering her wisdom and support – along with her characteristic dry humour - as required.

Rose is predeceased by her husband Ian, and survived by her sons Ian (Katarina) and Robert (Susan), grandchildren Tomas (Chloe), Kassandra (James), Aiden and Denali, great-grandchildren Levi and Duncan, sisters Julia and Helen, and brother Jim.

Rose lived for her family and students. She will be greatly missed by all of us as she was a wonderful, positive presence in our lives. She gave us so much love and guidance, and we are forever grateful.