Rose Fulda

Born in the village of Klettwitz, Germany on June 27, 1926, she is survived by her children Carl Fulda(Margitta), Peter Fulda, and Margrid Legg-Michel(Bert). Also by six grandchildren, Miriam MiKhael (Rob), Vanessa Hooper (Brad), Daniel Fulda, Jordan Legg(Becky), Ryan Legg(Rachel) and Aaron Legg (Brooklyn). There are ten great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband Gottfried and her son Bernhard. She was the last surviving member of her family’s generation.

Rose was the youngest child of a Lutheran pastor and his wife. In Klettwitz she learned to love the church. She learned teaching from her father and gardening from her mother. Only 13 when the war years began in Europe, she had many narrow escapes, but God preserved her through that time.

Rose could not remember a time in which she did not believe in God. At her christening and again at her confirmation and at her wedding she was given Colossians 3:17 and :23 as life verses by her own father. Verse 17 says, “And whatever you do, whether in word of deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Verse 23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” What these verses describe is the way Rose lived. She did not do things half-heartedly. And she was thankful to the end. In her years at boarding school she had to memorize many hymns. When she couldn’t sleep, she didn’t count sheep. She quoted hymns to herself.

In May 1950 at agricultural school, she met Gottfried Fulda. A few weeks later they were secretly engaged. At Christmas that year, it was made official. They were married in Germany on November 1953. In June 1954, promising to work one year on a Farm, the newlyweds immigrated to Canada with $5 to their name. They took up residence in a farmhouse, where they soon started a family. Three sons were born but tragically, the firstborn, Bernhard, was struck by an automobile at age five, and did not survive. Then a daughter was born.

They wanted to own land, particularly land they could farm. In 1961 they bought 20 acres of vacant land on Appleby Line in Burlington. They called it Bernhardshalde (Bernhard’s Hill) in memory of their son. They worked hard to pay it off, and largely with their own hands built their dream home. The farm provided a park-like setting for Rose’s family and friends. For grandchildren and later for great-grandchildren Bernhardshalde was a favorite retreat.

At the farm Rose loved to work her large gardens, filled with all kinds of vegetables. Fruit trees and berry bushes also gave her much joy. Flowers of every kind were a delight to her. She was a master-gardener who never seemed to tire of planning, tilling, planting, watering, harvesting and giving. One of her favorite things at the farm was animals. While in Germany she had developed a great love, especially for horses. She was like a “whisperer” with both horses and dogs.

Another of her special skills was teaching. Wanting to preserve her German culture, she taught her own children to speak the language and for 25 years taught in a Saturday German school. She was also skilled in sewing, knitting, needlepoint, crocheting and rug hooking. Many of her projects became gifts to give. She was a lover of good music and the classical composers were her favourites.

Rose and Gottfried enjoyed the farm together for many years. A few years after Gottfried retired, he began to develop dementia. As it progressed, Rose took on a growing role as care-giver. She did this faithfully until in her 95th year it became impossible for her to continue. She was a wonderful example to her family of what it means to love for better or for worse. Gottfried was moved to a long term care home, where to her sorrow, he passed away in 2022. Rose remained on the farm for almost 60 years, living there alone for the last two of them. Then she reluctantly sold the farm and stayed with Margrid and Bert in Oshawa. She lived with them until loss of mobility necessitated a move to assisted living at Taunton Mills. During all of this time she never lost her thankfulness. As the year went on, failing eyesight meant she could no longer read or crochet. There was a steady decline in her body but her mind remained bright till her last few days.

In January of 2026 she was admitted to the hospital with multiple health challenges. A few weeks later, she passed away, peacefully, with her family by her side. At her request, she will be cremated.

On Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., a memorial service will be held to celebrate Rose’s life, at the 301 Campus of Calvary Baptist Church in Oshawa (301 Rossland Road East, at the South-East corner of Rossland and Ritson Roads). Immediately following the service, all in attendance are invited to stay for a luncheon at the church.

That will be the opportunity for visitation with the family. A private family interment will be held later in the year.

Link to view service https://youtu.be/TA7q-DYk93U