Clarice "Carrie" Rotariu

Clarice “Carrie” Rotariu, late of Weyburn, SK passed away on March 21, 2025 at the age of 94 years.

She was predeceased by her parents, James (1991) and Willabine (1934) McGowan; her husband, John (2023); son, Wayne Rotariu (2008); her granddaughter, Keynan Rotariu (2024); sister, Grace English (2004); her brother, John McGowan (2013).

Carrie is survived by her children: son, Keith Rotariu (Lila) and his son, Jason and children, Kiarra, Madeline; son Gary Rotariu and his children, Brianna Hogan and children, Gideon, Reese, Elijah, Ryan Rotariu (Laura) and children, Amelia, Cohen; son, Allan Rotariu (Mary) and his children, Corinna Stevenson (Jeff) and children, Beau (Bailey) and their daughters, Lilah, Everly, Cashe (Leah) and Jada, Colin Rotariu (Tara) and their son, Dylan; son Dale Rotariu (Rosemarie) and their children, Travis (Nikki) and their daughters, Sadie, Mila, Tracey (Mike) and their children, Miller and Marlee; daughter Karen Nielson (Ken) and their children, Katlin, Kayla and her daughter Gemma, Kolton (Janika) and their daughter, Lailah, Korbin and Kimber; son, Roger Rotariu (Shelley) and their children, Brett, Danna (Alex). Carrie is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Wes and Ellen McGowan; sisters-in-law, Lenora Rotariu and Anne Soparlo; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Carrie was born in Regina, SK and lived her early years on the James McGowan farm near Killdeer, SK in an area that is now part of Grasslands National Park (East Block). In 1934, Carrie’s mother Willabine passed away leaving James to raise his young family through the end of the Depression in the harsh prairie conditions. 

Carrie told stories of riding horseback to school and in the winter being driven by horse and cutter to school by her father. It was through these years that Carrie became an excellent horsewoman which would benefit her in her married life. After her father remarried, Carrie was sent to boarding school  in Regina where she eventually graduated from the secretarial program.

Upon returning to her hometown roots Carrie took a job with the LID (Rural Municipality) of Old Post in Wood Mountain. Here she met a local cowboy with swagger that worked for the RM, John Rotariu. After dating briefly, and before her 21st birthday, they were married (1951).  Ten months later their family legacy would begin with the first of five sons born in consecutive years. Central to their early days was “The Farm”. This farm is the current Rotariu Farm that will forever be a legacy enjoyed by family and friends.

For the next 26 years Carrie and John raised their family in Wood Mountain with the addition of their only daughter Karen (1962) and sixth son Roger (1967). Carrie and John moved to Ogema in 1977 and then retired to Weyburn in 2001.

Through this time Carrie amassed her prize possession, her photographs.  Carrie’s collection of pictures and albums, all labeled and in chronological order, were something that all family members were able to enjoy.  But of all the thousands of photos that she collected till her last days, the only ones that mattered contained the images of family or friends.

Carrie was quiet, thoughtful and always had time for a game of cards, Yahtzee or Scrabble. She was rarely the centre of attention but was reliable to get the job done and would never miss a moment with family. And if you ever got one of her hugs you knew what a big loving hug felt like.

Carrie will be missed by all who knew her. She lived a full life and left a beautiful picture.

A Funeral service was held on Friday, March 28, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. from RD Family Funeral Chapel, 1825 1st Avenue, Weyburn, SK.  Honorary Pallbearers were all Carrie’s grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Pallbearers were: Corinna Stevenson, Tracey Rotariu, Kayla Nielson, Kimber Nielson, Danna Rotariu and Brianna Hogan.

Interment was held at Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn, SK and luncheon followed at Cecilia’s Banquet Hall, 122 4th Street, Weyburn, SK.

For family and friends so wishing, charitable donations in memory of Carrie may be made to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan, (Breast Cancer), #200 ~ 4545 Parliament Avenue, Regina, SK, S4W 0G3.