Rose Andrachuk (née Ruzica Bukovac) | 1944–2025

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved Rose on January 3rd, 2025. Rose blessed this earth for 80 years. She is now in Heaven making sure everyone is well cared for, and maybe even helping to ensure that it is being properly administered. She will be dearly missed by her husband of 50 years, John Andrachuk, and children Steven, Lara (Matt), John (Sabrina), Andrea (Luc), Christina (Andy), and Leslie, along with 10 grandchildren.

Born in Zagreb, Croatia, Rose immigrated to Canada at the age of nine. A stand out student, after her undergraduate Latin and Greek degree, she completed two Masters degrees (Italian and Social Work) and then a Law degree, after which she was admitted to the Ontario Bar.

Rose was proud of her work with the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada and as Chair and Trustee of the Toronto Catholic District School Board. Previously, she worked in a legal and mediation practice, and ran as a candidate for MPP in the 2003 Ontario provincial election. She also volunteered thousands of hours in support of Croatia, schools, and people in need.

However, Rose would tell you her greatest accomplishments were her marriage to John, raising six children, and the care she gave to family and friends during their times of need.

Rose was a rock. We heard this from many dear friends, who told us stories of how Rose helped them through tough times, offering support, presence and comfort. For example, she cared for her mother and John’s Aunt Mary for many years until their passings. She was there for broken arms, graduations, first steps, and sleeping in the hospital hallway waiting for grandchildren to be born.

Rose was intellectual, always reflecting and judging, and when the time was right, expressing her thoughts in a not-so-subtle fashion. Passionately interested in different cultures, she was fluent in three languages, working extensively with immigrant communities. A devout Roman Catholic, Rose strived to live the teachings of Jesus in every way.

While a profound soul, it was comical how she preferred simple things, like romance novels, kittens, crossword puzzles, picking wild blueberries, and playing with sticks. She had a quirky sense of humour and was sure to create the best laughs during board games. In her younger days, she enjoyed mountaineering with John, as well as camping and hiking with the family. In later years, she joined John on cross continent motorcycle trips where they enjoyed many adventures together.

We imagine that in Heaven, Rose is playing a lively game of Canasta with her parents, brother and nephew. She will finally be able to hold her baby Joseph, who didn’t live long, and share a good laugh with her friends who passed before her.

On Earth, we will miss her dearly, and as she always did, we will strive to spread goodness and love to others in her memory.

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Visitation will be on Sunday January 12th between 4pm to 8pm at Turner & Porter’s Butler Chapel 4933 Dundas St W Etobicoke (Dundas & Burnhamthorpe). The memorial service followed by burial will be held on Monday January 13th at 10am at Holy Angels Church 61 Jutland Rd Etobicoke (west of Islington, north of Queensway).

Rose admires the charity work of Dr Simone and the Canadian Food for Children Charity. If you wish, you can make a donation on her behalf.