Amelia Maria Rowe
AMELIA (Emily) ROWE
(nee Filek)
Amelia, also known as Emily passed away at the Royal Inland Hospital, Kamloops on January 16, 2012 at the age of 95 years.
She was predeceased by her loving husband Leonard Rowe of 53 years, June 28, 1995; special sister Margaret Forde, May 6, 2007; her dad Joseph Filek Sr., November 9, 1918; her Mum Maria (nee Sroba) (Filek) Frolek, October 12, 1975; step father John S. Frolek Sr., June 1970; one sister Anna J. Filek, two brothers Joseph (Joey) Filek Jr. and Johnny Filek; one step sister Catherine Ward; three step brothers, John Frolek Jr. Joseph Frolek and Robert (Bobby) Frolek.
She is survived by many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great, great nieces and nephews.
Amelia was born February 12, 1916 in Fernie, British Columbia to Joseph and Maria Filek. Amelia’s love in all her years was for old time music, country music and songs. She loved to sing, yodel and play her piano and banjo. At the age of 14 Amelia played her first dance with her brother Johnny. After that Amelia played in many country school houses in the thirty’s and forties. Some of the schools she played at were Edith Lake, Long Lake, Pinantan, Pritchard, Pemberton Range and many more. She played in the Happy Gang Band with her brother Johnny Filek and sister Margaret Forde and whoever wanted to join in. Later she played, sang and yodelled in the Bud Miller’s Old-timers Band. Some other bands were the Banjo Band, Rays Lamplighters and Heritage House Old-timers. She started to play with the Rhythm Mountaineers and in September 1996 with the Golden Serenaders. Country Music and singing was her life.
We all love you Aunty Amelia and we will miss you. A lady who touched the hearts of many, with her country songs, piano and banjo music and her wonderful sense of humor. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and remembered her as a strong ,loving person who was always there for whoever needed her.
Funeral Service will be held at Schoening Funeral Chapel, 513 Seymour Street, on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Hillside Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Royal Inland Hospital (Paediatric Ward), 311 Columbia Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2T1 in memory of Mrs. Rowe would be appreciated.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Kamloops Seniors’ Village, the nurses on 6 South, Royal Inland Hospital and to Dr. G. Schumacher for all their gentle care.
Sorry Doug and Martha for your loss. Condolences to all of the family for a great lady who contributed so much with her music.
Ann and Earl Stoughton
I have many fond memories of ‘Auntie Emily’ from my young years growing up in Kamloops. She always made me laugh, and was always a joy to be around. She will be missed.
Auntie Emily was very special to me. We saw each other often as I grew up. I’ll never forget her sewing me a really pretty pink polkadot dress. She also taught me piano lessons. It’s hard to say goodbye to Auntie Emily. She was a wonderful person and her memory will always be close to my heart.