Obituary of Rose Buis

Rose (Van Raay) Buis, “Rosie”, was the deeply loved wife of Martin Buis, and Mom to 6: Anne, Mike (Joanne), Bob (Ruth), Tom, Paul (Janet), and Ken (Pamela).  She was a much loved Granma to 17: Nathalie (Matt Decan), Martin (Han), Joe (Kari), Julie (Marcus Gleeson), Amanda (Matt Payne), John (Kristin), Dave (Ashley), Mark(Marian), Theresa (Thomas Brady), Matt, Patrick (Isabelle), Jeremy (Cynthia), Justin (Allison), Brandon (Rebecca), Nina (Cam Dunlop), Bill, and Jenn.  She was also a loving Great-Granma to 23: Alice, Clara, Colin, Segla, Blake, Garth, Erin, Kayla, Jade, Michayla, Victoria, Logan, Calvin, Ruben, Jonah, Evelyn, Oliver, Hazel, Mekenna, Mileah, Hilliard, Liam, and Edith.  

Rose was born in London, Ontario on February 22, 1936, the only child of John  (May 20, 1901 - March 15, 1987) and Georgette (Lievens) Van Raay (September 5, 1909 - August 16, 1994).  She entered Ursuline College “The Pines” at the age of 12 and was a full-time teacher by the age of 18.  After she married Martin, she was a bookkeeper at their farm, worked alongside him in the fields, and kept the household running.  She loved gardening and music, and was a dedicated member of the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) for most of her life.  She often told her family that she had lived a full and happy life.  Rose passed away at the Chatham-Kent hospice on February 8, 2026.

Visitation will be held at Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home on February 12, 2026 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM.. A Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Ursula’s Church on February 13, 2026 at 10 AM, followed by a reception in the hall. Interment will be at St. Patrick’s Church cemetery in Merlin (family attending). As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Chatham-Kent Hospice or the Windsor ALS Society would be greatly appreciated.