Balls Creek
On Monday, February 6, 2023, Rosalyn Mary Noella (Rossiter) Forrest passed away peacefully at the age of 75 with her daughters by her side at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Born December 25, 1947, in Sydney and raised in Whitney Pier, Rosalyn was the daughter of the late Wilfred and Rosaline ‘Mae’ (Norkett) Rossiter.
Rosalyn is survived by her three daughters, Tanya Bertrand (David), Waltham, QC, Launa Canova (Glen), Sydney, and Jennifer Pentecost (Kevin), Westmount; grandchildren, Justine, Samantha, Lilly, Jake, and brothers, Freddy (Debbie), Howie Center and Michael (Brenda), Prime Brook.
Mom always had a great love for animals of all kinds. Her first job was running the pet department at K-Mart in Sydney were she brought in several exotic animals. To her parent’s dismay, she would often be known to sneak some of those animals home.
Later in life she bought a farm in Frenchvale and raised her girls with many types of animals including horses, goats, pigs, rabbits, and guinea pigs. She was heavily involved in the 4H program and formed the Happy Hoppers 4H Club.
Mom was best known as a well-respected breeder of English Bull Terriers (Bay Hill Bull Terriers). She was often referred to as an ambassador of the breed. She was a former member of the Bull Terrier Club of Canada and the Bull Terrier Club of America, the CKC and the AKC. She had a lot of knowledge of the breed and was always willing to share her information with others. She was well known in the dog show world, especially in Nova Scotia. She will always be remembered amongst her dog show friends as having an open-door policy. She hosted many dog show friends with a happy smile, lots of food and a bed to sleep in. Her close friends couldn’t wait to have their ‘Weekend at Rosalyn’s’. Lots of stories and laughs would be had. She will be dearly missed.
Mom always enjoyed sewing, knitting and crafts. She took pride in making and giving family and friends beautiful handmade blankets, hats and scrunchies.
A special thank you to the staff of 4 West at the Northside General, Palliative Care at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital and, especially the nurses and staff on 3A at the CBRH for your care of Rosalyn in her time of need. Your kindness did not go unnoticed.
Visitation and memorial service to celebrate the life of Rosalyn Forrest will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church St.), Whitney Pier on Monday, February 13, 2023. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. with the memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. in the All Faith Chapel with Rev. Sheldon Chant officiating.
Donations in memory of Rosalyn may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
Laura,Glen & family: We are so sorry on the loss of your mother. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
From: Jim & Bernice Kyte
Our deepest sympathies to the families on your loss.
From: Deborah (Forrest) Russell
The Families of Rosalyn i am sorry to hear of her passing may she rest in peace.
From: Russell Forrest
Sincere Sympathy to Rosalyn’s Family on her passing. We meet Ros many years ago while looking for a Bully and became over night Friends. We bought several dogs from her and always kept I touch, she loved her Bully’s! A beautiful caring soul! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this side time.
From: Mark & Donna MacIver, Port Hawkesbury
Dear Launa, Jennifer and Families, Our very deepest sympathy to you and your families on the passing of your dear mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. Rosalyn was a very kind and caring lady to both people and animals. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved her. May God bless and comfort you all. Love, Jean & Norm Parker and Marlene Clancy
From: Jean Parker
Dear Launa, Jennifer and Families, Our very deepest sympathy to you and your families on the passing of your dear mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. Rosalyn was a very kind and caring lady to both people and animals. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved her. May God bless and comfort you all. Love, Jean & Norm Parker and Marlene Clancy
From: Jean Parker
Our deepest sympathy to the family and you all are in our thoughts and prayers. 🙏🙏🙏
From: Monica McLean Pyke
Dear Launa, Jennifer and Families, Our very deepest sympathy to you and your families on the passing of your dear mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. Rosalyn was a very kind and caring lady to both people and animals. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved her. May God bless and comfort you all. Love, Jean & Norm Parker and Marlene Clancy
From: Jean Park
My deepest condolences to the family, Rosalyn will always have a special place in my heart. I first met her in 1997 when I drove from Saint John, NB to her place in Frenchvale. I spoke to her many times before meeting her, she was amazing and let me have the pick of the litter, I chose my Bully Bayhills Kicker, he was my second Bully and best bud for 17 years, we spoke many times in that period, laughed, and Roz was always only a call away for help with my boy from a puppy too an senior.
I lost him to old age and was devastated, a month after Kicker passed I only had to call this amazing woman once, I balled like a 5 year old and that was enough for Roz to say, “Daryl I have a litter right now and all the pups were spoken for but I will find a way! Rosalyn made it work and told the person what had happened and called the next day and said, meet me in Halifax for your new boy.
Rosalyn knew from knowing me that I suffered from PTSD from my time serving in law enforcement, Rosalyn and as I called her Bully Mama saved my life by giving me another Bully named Bayhills Bolt. When we spoke I told her that I could never thank her enough.
Rosalyn called me more than once to ferry dogs from the Maine, US border to Nova Scotia, Roz “Bully Mama” made me a beautiful bull terrier blanket. I have it to this day.
Rosalyn was one of the kindest, caring, and giving woman who through her hands has given so many people through her love of Bullies so much more joy and love than what she ever received from her kennel.
I will miss her, our conversations of Bullies and how she made me laugh.
Rest well Rosalyn, I hope that every Bully who has crossed the rainbow bridge before her welcomed her with zoomies, wagging tails, and Bully kisses, which only a Bully person knows.
Rest in peace.
Shawn and I offer our deepest condolences on the loss of your Mom. We always enjoyed time spent with her in our younger years and running in to her at shows later on. We are sending all of our love and support at this difficult time
Jennifer, Kevin, Launa, Glen and families,
We are so sorry to hear of Rosalyn’s passing. We are thinking of you all at this time. May she rest in peace.
Jenn, Jonathan and Kate MacLean
We are so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Our condolences, thoughts and prayers to all the family.
Please know I’m thinking of you all and sending my love. I have so many found memories at the farm. Your Mom always made us feel so welcomed. Such great childhood memories. Hugs to you all ❤️❤️❤️
Big hugs to you Jenn & family. Iam out west but I will be thinking of you on Monday. Sorry for your heartache. Lots of love sent your way sweetie.
Despite her medical challenges over many years, Rosalyn was a strong, independent-minded woman. From childhood onward, I recall the joy she found in animals. She was unique and her passing is a sad loss for our extended family.
I am sorry to hear of Rosalyn’s passing. My thoughts are with her family and friends.
Jennifer, Kevin, Launa, Glen and family, So very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Please take comfort in your many happy memories it will help you through this difficult time. With deepest sympathy, Nick, Donna, Andrew, Rayna and Brielle Rutherford
Jen, Launa and Family
Heartfelt condolences to you all. So sorry for the loss of your mom. Thinking of you all.
Jenn & Craig
Launa,Glen and Family, we are so sorry on the loss of your Mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Jimmy&Bernice Kyte
Launa and Jennifer
So sorry to hear of the loss if your mom. Sending my thoughts and prayers to you during this difficult time. Lots of great memories of being with you guys and your mom, at the exhibition, 4H shows and hanging out. Sending lots of love to you and your families.
Love
Crystal Shepherd Whitten.
My heart breaks with the thought Rosalyn is gone…. But she is at peace now with no pain. My deepest condolences to her family and all who were blessed and lucky to have Rosalyn in their life!
Dear Jennifer,Launa and Family, we are so very sorry to learn of the passing of your Mother. You are in our thoughts and prayers . Our sincere condolences. May all your happy memories help you through the times ahead. Love Joanie and Matty MacDougall
Launa, Glen, Sam and family. We were so sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing. Sincere condolences. Thoughts and prayers with you during this difficult time.
Sincere condolences to the family in the loss of Rosalyn.
Thinking of you at this very sad time.
Mary Wilkie