Rose Marie Chalifoux

Rose Marie Chalifoux, 75, died June 5, 2026. Born February 24, 1951, in Marionette Park, Illinois, Rose was the daughter of Robert S. and Margaret M. (Winters) Chalifoux. She later made her home in Longmont, Colorado, where she was widely cherished and deeply beloved by family, friends, and community.

Rose graduated in 1969 from Immaculate Heart of Mary in Westchester, Illinois. She earned a degree in Modern Languages from Notre Dame University in 1973 and was a member of the first graduating class of women at Notre Dame—an achievement reflecting the steady diligence and integrity that marked her life. She was married to Daniel Shank from 1973 to 2008. Rose moved to Longmont, Colorado in 1988 from Basalt, Colorado. She was a co-owner and operator of a McDonald's franchise, and was known for her strong work ethic, while also running the show of a 6-person family.

A woman of faith, Rose was a founding member at Light of Christ Ecumenical Catholic Community. Her sense of responsibility and care for others found expression in volunteering as a member of the Ronald McDonald Children's House Charities, Boulder County Victim's Advocate, M.A.D.D, and After sight program. She was a very active member of her community, offering her time and voice with constancy and purpose.

Rose’s adventurous spirit carried her across the world as a traveler, yet she also held close the places and people she loved most. She loved the Rocky Mountains and taking road trips. She greatly valued her lifelong friendships, was proud of her family, and especially loved being a grandma. She loved good food, good wine, and Notre Dame Football.

Rose was preceded in death by her son, Benjamin Shank; her parents, Robert S. and Margaret M. Chalifoux; her brother, Mike Chalifoux; and her sister, Margaret Chalifoux. Survivors include her son, Jacob Shank and wife Jennifer of Phoenix, Arizona; daughter Marie Shank and husband Chris Berg of Ft. Collins, Colorado; and daughter Casey Shank of Denver, Colorado. Her grandchildren, Shiloh Shank, Vesper Shank, and Bodhi Shank of Phoenix, Arizona, and Arlo Berg of Ft. Collins, Colorado, she is also survived by her brothers, Bob Chalifoux of Chicago, Illinois, and Chris Chalifoux of Cincinnati, Ohio; her sisters, Ann Chalifoux of Honolulu, Hawaii, Kathleen Chalifoux of Chicago, Illinois, and Marguerite Chalifoux of San Francisco, California; She is further survived by many in-laws, nieces and nephews, and cousins.

Memorial Services will be held Friday, August 28, 2026, at 10 AM at Light of Christ Ecumenical Church at 1000 15th Avenue, Longmont, Colorado. A Celebration of Life will follow the services at the church at Oskar Blues Brewery Taproom, 1640 South Sunset Street, Longmont, Colorado.

Memorial Contributions may be made to DementiaTogether.org or ALZ.org.