Colette La Rose
May 28, 1932 -
Jun 30, 2020
Colette La Rose passed away at Providence Hospital in Anchorage, Alaska, at 88 years of age, after a very memorable life. She died in these harsh days of COVID-19 from complications of a hip fracture and Alzheimer's dementia.
She was born in Ruelle, France, to Eva (nee Texandier) and Renee Guichet.
Colette and her older brother grew up in southern France during World War II. Their mother was postmistress in Aubeterre sur Dronne, where they were occupied by German troops. Colette was 10 years old. Her brother had to flee and live with relatives. Their lives were difficult from the start and the war very much shaped them from that time forward.
She attended business school in Bordeaux, France, learning English and business. Later she worked on base as secretary in the payroll office for the american air force in Bordeaux. She met her husband, Captain George La Rose, who was an American pilot. They were married in the town hall of Bordeaux and then again in the Episcopalian church in Orlando, Fla., after they were transferred back to the U.S. She became a naturalized citizen in 1955.
The family lived in France, London, Thailand, various parts of the U.S. - Florida, North Carolina, Arizona - including several times in Washington, D.C., before coming to Alaska.
Colette cared for her three children, taught school and became very proficient at running and moving a household.
On retiring from the Air Force they owned a Western Auto store in Washington, N.C., but that did not suit their adventurous spirit. In 1967, they sold the store and decided to move to Alaska with a moving truck, a station wagon, three kids and the dog over the Alcan Highway. Colette had the hard part - she drove the station wagon, kids and dog.
Colette was a high school teacher and taught at the university. She obtained her bachelor's degree with the University of Alaska in education/French, magna cum laude. She became a successful real estate agent and broker, with licenses in California, Washington and Alaska, proficient in many aspects of real estate. She worked for Dynamic Properties, Marston Real Estate, and later formed her own company 4 Seasons Real Estate.
She was honorary French Consul for the State of Alaska for many years helping distressed travelers/students, climbers, meeting foreign dignitaries, helping french people in the community and establishing Franco-American relationships with the bases here in Anchorage. She received the Knight of the Order of Merit from the French government in 2002.
She was founder of the Alliance Francaise in 1969, with a membership of about 100.
Colette was chairman of the Anchorage Sister Cities Commission 1988-1990, participating even into her 80s. She was a member of the downtown and south rotary clubs, member of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce and various real estate associations.
Foremost Colette was a very "classy" French woman, a loving wife, a loving mother and teacher to her children and grandchildren. She was opinionated, strong, hardworking, a survivor and devoted to her family. She will be so very much missed.
Colette was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Robert Guichet of Angouleme, France; and her husband, George. She is survived by her children, Carol F. La Rose (son-in-law Gary R. La Rose), Roy Marc La Rose (wife Sharon), and Tina M. La Rose of Idaho; grandchildren, Chase La Rose, Lauren La Rose, Philip La Rose, Colton Benedict, Evan Benedict, Garrett Benedict; great-grandchildren, Matthew and Amelie; nephews and nieces, Bruce La Rose Jr. (wife Ann) of Tucson, Bob and Cathy McCormick of Pennsylvania, John McCormick and Cheryl Durback of Pennsylvania, and Sandi Walcott and Janice La Rose-Hunter of Florida; Debra La Rose of California; as well as her French family .
A celebration of life will be postponed until a future date due to COVID-19. Donations can be made in the name of Colette to the Alzheimer's Association.
Rest in peace, Mom – we love you.
