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
49 Responses
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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 .
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.