Large family gatherings a tradition in resident’s past
Monday, December 19, 2005 -- Natalie Miller
Madeline Rose recalls the stockings being hung on the banister one Christmas and her father telling her ‘You know that I’m Santa Claus’.

“I had to keep it quiet for quite a few years,” the 92-year-old Kentwood Park resident says.

Madeline was the eldest of seven children and was raised in the town of Picton. Christmases were always celebrated at her family’s home with her siblings. “We celebrated it as a whole family until we were old enough to (move away from home),” says Madeline. “My dad always wanted to be home for Christmas,” she recalls.

Her father brought home the Christmas tree every year for the family. One year, more than anything, Madeline wanted a white knitted toque. Another year, her four brothers were overseas during the war and it was a very quiet Christmas.

Madeline trained as a nurse and later married Clairmont Rose. The couple lived on a farm in South Bay where they had a small orchard, cattle and grains. Having no children, Madeline and Clairmont often celebrated Christmas with her parents. Her husband died suddenly of a heart attack in 1966. Madeline remained on the farm for 30 years and then moved into town. She moved into the Picton long-term care home about 18 months ago.

This year for Christmas she plans to stay put. Madeline looks forward to seeing her youngest of two living siblings this Christmas too. “I’ll celebrate it with the rest of the people,” she says.