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Rose Schwarz succumbs to Lyme disease

Last Respects
rose
Rose Schwarz during happier times. The 28-year-old Sechelt woman who battled Lyme disease for 15 years succumbed to her illness on Jan. 11.

On Jan. 11, with her family by her side, Rose Schwarz passed away peacefully, after succumbing to complications from Lyme disease, which she battled for 15 years with much support from the community.

Coast Reporter first introduced Schwarz to the public in 2009 when it was thought she had gastroparesis, which kept her from being able to eat. Through fundraisers the community helped Rose have a stomach removal surgery, but it didn’t end her health issues.

Years later it would become evident that her stomach paralysis was linked to Lyme disease. Because she had suffered for so long with the disease, there wasn’t much conventional medicine could do to help, so her family searched out other options and once again the community stepped up to help financially.

Despite special treatments and feeding formulas, Rose continued to lose weight and suffer the effects of long-term Lyme disease.

The community came to know her well and she and her family had a large group of public supporters.

Despite all efforts, this month, at the age of 28, Rose succumbed to her disease.

“On Jan. 11, 2017 with both of us [her parents] by her side, Rose passed away peacefully and with grace and dignity,” said Rose’s mother Tani.

“Over the years the community has opened their hearts to us and this kindness will not be forgotten. … To all the wonderful people who have supported Rose throughout her 15-year battle with Lyme disease, we are eternally grateful.”

Rose is survived by her mother Tani, father Gary, her nana Marti, her uncle Bill and uncle Wes, her stepbrother Bro and her stepsister Meadow.

“Rose’s bravery and persistence shone through her deep pain and inconceivable suffering. She soldiered on until her body finally gave out,” Tani said.

There will be a public celebration of Rose’s life on Feb. 12 at 3 p.m. at the Sechelt Legion.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to help cover the costs of the funeral.

Donations can be given online at tinyurl.com/jdzvosz or to The Rose Fund at any branch of the Sunshine Coast Credit Union. You can also donate through PayPal at tani_schwarz@hotmail.com

There is also a Burger and Beer fundraiser planned at the Lighthouse Pub all day on Jan. 29, including a silent auction and live music starting at 1 p.m. All proceeds will go to the family.