It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved mother, sister, daughter, niece, cousin, and dear friend. Rocket passed away on April 12, 2023, at the age of 59. She leaves behind her son, Spencer, his partner Jasmine, her brothers Warren and Gary, her cats Simon and Willow, and many loved relatives and friends.
Born and raised in Victoria, B.C., Rocket had deep roots in the community. After training as a cook at Camosun College, at the age of 19 she decided to join the Canadian Navy and trained and worked as a Marine Engineer. She reached the level of Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class. Roxanne retired in 2012 after proudly serving for 35 years. Rocket was extremely proud being part of the Navy. She held many positions during her career. Her most gratifying honour was in 2012, when she received the Diamond Jubilee Medal, which was presented to her on behalf of the Queen in acknowledgement of her volunteerism. What was most remarkable was the fact it was presented to her after she retired from the Navy.
The greatest joy of Rocket’s life was becoming Spencer’s mother. She was incredibly proud of him and absolutely loved spending time with him. Her greatest sadness is leaving him much too soon.
Strong family bonds, a sense of community, sharing, and helping other were some of Rocket’s core values. Once she retired, these values led her to volunteer as a cook at the Rainbow Kitchen. Once a week, for nine years, she combined her love of food, community, and creativity to help feed people who depended on the Rainbow Kitchen. From everyday meals to special holiday menus, she created wonderful meals and continued to serve this new community with pleasure. She happily spoke about cooking twelve or more turkeys at a time for Christmas dinner, amazing everyone with her ability to cook for so many people. She loved working with the “Monday Team” at the kitchen and greatly missed them when her cancer no longer allowed her to volunteer.
Rocket was a devoted friend – always there to help those in need, and in return, her friends were always happy to help her; whether it was preparing for a Fairfield artist tour, or planning the community garden she started during the pandemic. She loved spending time with family and friends, camping, biking, and eating together.
In retirement, after cycling to Mexico, Rocket found time to explore new creative outlets, first growing food, then painting, and then woodworking. Woodworking became a passion. If she was not creating great meals, spending time with family and friends, or reading, you would find Rocket in her workshop. Woodworking became her true passion, and under her talented hands, she turned simple pieces of wood into spectacular pieces of art. If you attended the Moss Street Paint-In or visited the Market Collective stores, maybe you are one of the lucky people who purchased one of her beautifully crafted pens, cutting boards, or spatulas.
Rocket was a strong, passionate woman, a devoted mother, and a truly giving individual. She left us too soon and we will miss her everyday. She brought out the best in people and we are better for having known her. She taught us about kindness and compassion, about following your dreams, and about spending time with those you love.
The family wishes to thank the community care nurses and the staff at the Royal Jubilee Palliative Care Unit for the compassionate care they provided to Rocket in the last months and weeks of her life. Spencer also wishes to thank Rocket’s friends who helped to care for her in so many ways in her final few months.
A Celebration of Life for Rocket will be held on Saturday, June 3rd, 2023, at the Rainbow Kitchen, 500 Admirals Rd, Victoria, BC, starting at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Rainbow Kitchen in Rocket’s name. Cards, written stories, photos, or messages can be sent to rocketsmemories2023@gmail.com
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Lindiann Hopkins
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Yvonne M Duclos I graduated with Roxanne from Esquilmalt. Regrettably I didn’t know Roxanne well, but the few times I had the pleasure to speak with her, her soul emitted so much quiet kindness. It doesn’t surprise me to read her wonderful tribute, and all the condolences from peoples lives she touched. That we all should leave such love in our wake. A life well lived.
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Douglas Adams When Rainbow Kitchen was closed for Hero Work’s Radical Renovation in 2016, Cook Rocket volunteered for the reno, doing a a lot of sanding and painting, I was trimming all the new double-glazed windows.
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Commander Cameron Miller, Commanding Officer HMCS MALAHAT As the current Commanding Officer of HMCS MALAHAT, where CPO2 Ogden was a former Coxswain, I was deeply saddened to hear of Rocket’s passing. I sailed with her on the Gate Vessels and later on MCDV’s. I was a junior officer when we met and she took the time to explain so much to me about what I needed to know in the engine room. Noting the things she accomplished after her retirement from the Navy, it showed she continued as she always did, full speed. Her watch ended far too early.
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Shannon I am so sorry to hear of Rocket’s passing. We served together as stokers. She was an amazing engineer and sailor, but more so, an amazing mentor and friend. She served her country proud. The world is better because of Rocket. My condolences to the family.
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Robert & Lori Simon We are so sorry for your loss. ‘Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.’ May loving memories bring you comfort and strength.
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Karen Ekroos Dear Rocket – first my deepest condolences to Spencer, Warren & Gary, as well as to the rest of your family and friends. Family and friends were of such high importance to you and it was so evident when you were going through your health issues. Everyone was there to support and help you. I always said you were the “glue” in your family and no doubt with your friends too. I first met you when I was 14. Your whole family was so welcoming when I was going through so much. It’s a bond that held fast for over 40 years. You were the person I could see after not seeing for years, and we could pick up exactly where we left off. I have a lot of great of great memories. I always enjoyed our chats as well as with your mom. Your last piece of advice to me when I talked to you about retirement and was still picking up shifts – you said “You have to retire properly.” Still makes me smile. I am sad you are gone but relieved your suffering is over. You are missed, you are loved, and will not be forgotten.
“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday…..unseen unheard but always very near, still loved, still missed and very dear.”
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Jerry Gilligan Fair winds and following seas Chief , my condolences to your family and most importantly thank you for your service . I never had the pleasure of meeting you but we veterans have to stick together .
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Al Lindskoog I had the joy of volunteering with Rocket at the Rainbow Kitchen on Mondays for several years. It was a pleasure to work under her leadership, and see her love for her family and loved ones. She was special in so many ways.
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CPO2 Frederick Godwin, Coxswain, HMCS Malahat Rocket was Coxswain of HMCS Malahat in 2001 and 2002. On behalf of the Chief and Petty Officers Mess, I offer my sincere condolences to her family.
I am personally grateful for, and inspired by, her life of service.
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Robin I am sorry to hear of Rockets passing, I did not know her well and cannot add anymore than has already been said. I always thought she marched to her own beat.
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Chivonne Graff So shocked and saddened to see this today. Though I hadn’t seen her in many years, I always loved running with her and catching up. She was an amazing Mama to Spencer and foster parent to several children who I know were impacted by her nurturing. I will remember her for that always. Deepest condolences, Spencer. You were her pride and joy
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Stanley Prince RIP Rocket. Thank you for all the inspiration. My sincerest condolences to family and friends, my prayers go out to all.
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Dawn Heiden I loved her smile, she always lit up the space around her. The world is a bit darker without her.
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Linda Quilty My deepest condolences to Spencer and to the entire family as well as those who love Rocket and those she loved. She was one of the most amazing people one could ever hope to meet. Care and compassion were the keys she employed in leadership and mentorship. Those values remain present in military units and various other organizations across the country as people she lead over the years continue to follow her guidance and draw upon the lessons she so graciously shared. May she rest in peace knowing she made a difference to so many in this world.
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Erin Bonnar My deepest condolences to family and friends. I was sad to hear of her passing. I was first introduced to Roxanne when I started playing Base hockey in Esquimalt. I remember her warm smile and continuous encouragement. I am deeply saddened by her passing.
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Wendy Goulet An amazing role model and person. The world lost someone special too soon. RIP chief. Thoughts of peace and comfort to all friends and family.
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Karen Nelmes Rest in peace sister. May you be lighting up the bud goal light in the sky. My condolences to the family.
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Andrew Greenwood Some of my fondest memories were working with Rocket at 702MARPAC during an extended shore landing.
She was fiery and also compassionate when it came to teaching and showing me the ropes of writing posting messages. I learned quickly, especially after sending out a DND wide posting message publicly by accident.. She saved my skin.
Very saddened to hear this news. She will certainly be missed and not forgotten. My deepest condolences to all the family and dearest friends.
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PO1 Dany (Mad Dog) Nadeau I crossed path many times with Rocket in my time on ‘y’ jetty. Everyone knew her for a strong, steadfast individual who embodied dedication, care and professionalism. My deepest condolences to her loved ones.
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Amy Campbell I am so sorry to see this. Not only will Rocket be missed by her family, friends and the Naval community, but also by Rainbow Kitchen where she gave so generously of her time. I was so pleasantly surprised when I moved back to find a stoker in chef’s whites. Rest in peace, Rocket. Deepest condolences to Spencer and all who loved her. May her memory be a blessing.
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Cmdre Pat Montgomery, Commander Naval Reserve On behalf of the Naval Reserve, my deepest sympathies to family and friends for the loss of such an amazing person. I recall sailing with Rocket from Gate Vessels on to MCDVs several times, and am saddened to learn of her passing. Always passionate for success and getting things right, she has left a legacy to the next generation, and will be missed. BZ.
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Frank Vengels My heart and prayers go out to Rocket’s family.
You were an inspiration to many engineers over the years, including myself. You will be missed by many.
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Fiona RIP dear friend I will miss you immensely and am heartbroken . Sending love and condolences to Spencer and if you ever need anything ever, please reach out. Your mother helped me back in the day and I am here for you. I know your mother gave you the tools and knowledge to continue your life and I can see you are a strong, intelligent young man.
To Warren and Gary, I know how broken you must feel and am sending you my love. Your sister was the most courageous woman I’ve ever met and the best friend anyone could ever have asked for.
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Louise Francoeur-Mercier My sincerest condolences to Roxanne’s family and friends.
I remember her very well from our Naval Reserve days at Malahat. She was an intelligent, kind and lovely human being. It is so deeply sad that she has passed far too soon. Rest in peace Rocket… from another wren.
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Carol Bull I am saddened to hear of Rocket’s passing. We first met in 2002 when I was the civilian clerk at Port Security. Right from the start we became friends as well as co-workers. She was someone who was easy to look up to and never failed to set of good example as a human being. I remember how much she loved her son Spencer and how proudly she spoke of him. We were all better people when in her company and this loss will be felt by many.
Fair Winds and Following Seas Rocket, you will be sadly missed.
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Cabio and Eddy My sincere condolences to Rocket’s family and friends. Thank you for given us good memories on dinners together.
“Those we have held in our arms for a little while, we hold in our hearts forever.” —Unknown
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Tom Burchill RIP Rocket. I still reminisce about our walks ashore and talks about navy life in a mixed gender society. You were well respected and a great friend and ship mate. Rest in peace my friend. Tom Burchill
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Mike Syzek Sailed and bumped shoulders from 80s, 90s, and 00s in the DMech and than the MESO trade.
Spent a lot of time together during the MCDV orientation course in 1996.
My sympathies and best wishes to your family and close friends.
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Jason Heatley Rocket, I will will miss you very much. I first sailed with Rocket in the Canadian Navy in 1999 as a Leading sailor/ Cook on HMCS Moresby. Rocket was part of the elite Sea Training organization temporarily aboard. Chief petty officer” Rocket”, Odgen 2nd class, was assigned with other Seatrainers to work the ship up to sea readiness qualification level or worthines… it was a very very intense training time of 3 weeks of simulated Floods, Fires, First Aid Casualties, and Man overboard exercises and combinations of them, thrown at the ships company during all hour while HMCS Moresby’s crew was operational at sea. I met Rocket again in 2016 as a she was a Volunteer at the Rainbow Kitchen in Esquimalt where she was the head Chef and also the Chef of the wonderful Monday team at that time as my time evolved at the Rainbow Rocket and I had opportunities to cook and shop for the Equipment needed to prepare meals. Thank you Rocket for being the a great friend and teacher.
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Steve Toner To Rocket’s family and friends, my deepest condolences.
I knew Rocket through the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve, sailing with her in the late 80s & early 90s.
I wanted you to know how shocked and saddened I am to hear of your loss.
However inadequate this may be under such heartbreaking circumstances, I extend my sympathy.
LT(N) Steve Toner retired
HMCS York
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Gordon G. Basaraba CPO2 ret’d Our thoughts and prayers are with Jasmine & Spencer. Rocket augmented our prairie sailors when we went to the west coast for gate vessel weekends. She was always friendly and helped to nurture our sailors so that they would become better at their jobs. She will be missed, but stories will always be told about the pig boats and the chads that sailed on them. It was a pleasure to have served with her. God bless Rocket.
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Joanne Steinmetz My sincerest condolences to Roxanne’s family and friends. I remember her well from way back when Naval Reserve days. She was an intelligent, kind and lovely human being who has been taken far too soon. Rest in peace Rocket…
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Melissa Hockey My Mentor, my Colleague, my friend.
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dsimmons My heart is sad today. Rocket taught me much. I valued her wisdom. I am so sorry for the loss that all of Rocket’s friends and family must feel.
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Clark Bezo My deepest sympathies. Rocket was a real leader who always took people under her wing to nurture them.
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Eric Yvorchuk I was good friends with Rocket’s son, Spencer, throughout my years at Glenlyon Norfolk School, and during that time, I got to know what a wonderful woman she was. She will be sorely missed and I express my biggest condolences to her loved ones.
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Sam Cakebread To Rocket’s family and other friends, my deepest condolences. I knew Rocket through the Naval Reserve, sailing with her in the late 80’s on the Pig Boats, as well as working with her in MARPAC/MCDV/NAVRESHQ circles throughout the late 90’s and 2000’s. Some of my fondest Navy memories (and I’m sure many other people feel the same), include her. What a loss you must all feel!
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Tami Kempton Braggio I had the great pleasure to work with Rocket in the engine room on both coasts. She was knowledgeable, skilled, professional and reliable. She stood up for her team members against harassment and unfair treatment. Rocket had an all too rare combination of fortitude and compassion. I wish I could have sailed with her more often and I will remember her fondly.
See you on the sea, Rocket.
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Becky Charlesworth Thank you for your leadership and mentorship. You will never be forgotten, I will continue to pass on the lessons I have learned from you. Rest easy Cox’n.
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Ky Neeve Rocket will be dearly missed. I haven’t spent time with Rocket in many years, but ran into her once in awhile. We played hockey together for many years. She was always thoughtful and giving.
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Tanya Simm I am so sorry to hear of Rockets passing. My condolences to her family.
I served with Rocket on the Gate vessels on the West coast during my service in the navy. Fond memories and she will be missed.
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Carly Fong My deepest condolence to Spencer and family. Best regards.
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Paul Smith My Profound condolences to Spencer, Jasmine and family. Rocket and I served in the Navy over the same period of time. Although I mainly on the East Coast, we would cross paths on several occasions throughout our careers. I served in Esquimalt for several months in 2007 / 2008. Both as Chief’s, Rockets dedication and caring to her people was evident in every aspect of her work. She was a joy to work with and we shared many laughs.
May you take comfort knowing we share in your loss and strength from our prayers.
Sincerely, Paul D Smith CPO (ret)
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Linda Stephen May your sorrow and loss be eclipsed by your grand and happy memories of her.
I’ve thought of rocket many times over the years and the memories always make me smile.
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CPO1 Todd Kelly Fleet Chief, Royal Canadian Navy Reserve My condolences to the family. Although I’d lost touch over the last several years, I was saddened to learn of Rocket’s passing. Rocket was a true Force of positivity on the coast: shaping, leading, mentoring and occasionally ‘holding-their-feet-to-the-fire’ of all those hundreds of sailors that crossed her wake. Rocket was well known in the Engineering trade and the Navy for knowledge, skill, willingness to teach and true compassion. Far Winds and Following Seas.
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Allison Quigley My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Rocket. Soar in spirit Rocket. Your presence will be missed on this earth.
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Herb Connors RIP Rocket, you were an inspiration and it was indeed a great pleasure to have sailed with you. Condolences to your family and friends.
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John Malysheff My deepest condolences Rocket was a beautiful soul. She was an integral part of my time in the Navy teaching me so much.
I volunteered with Rocket for many years at GNS and was struck by her genuine smile, friendly, upbeat attitude and willingness to roll up her sleeves and help. She had a wonderful sense of humour and was a supportive, exceptional mother to Spencer. I am very sorry for your loss Spencer. Your mom made an indelible impression and I will always remember her fondly. Cherish the special memories.