Rose Giroux Kalinski

Rose’s Tribute

Rose Giroux Kalinski was born in Norman, OK on November 29, 1971 to Rita and Alfred Giroux.  She was raised in Purcell, OK, and attended Purcell Public Schools.  After graduating from Purcell High school she attended St. Gregory’s College to begin her pursuit of becoming a physical therapist. Rose graduated from the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy in 1995.

Her career began at the Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center. After a six year career at OSC she joined the Norman Regional Health System at the Physical Performance Center in outpatient therapy. Rose worked over 25 years in physical therapy. She had a specialization in Lymphedema Care, and recently became the manager of the Moore and Norman Physical Therapy Clinics with the Norman Regional Health System.

As Rose was working in her first job, one of her co-workers suggested she meet one of her patients. After meeting the co-worker’s patient, Rose said “this guy isn’t even 21, I can’t even take him to a party”. That guy she couldn’t take to the party, eventually became her husband.  Rose married Chris Kalinski May 4, 2001. The wedding night started off alarming. The atmosphere provided a chance for tornadoes, and as the sirens were blaring, we just figured someone was sounding the alarm of the awesome celebration!

Rose was a loving mother to her two sons, Gavin and Mathew. Her boys were her world. She was involved in every aspect of their life. From their first steps, to academics and athletic events, Rose never missed a single part of their life. Her passion and loving spirit for her boys will never be questioned. Seeing the joy in the boys' faces made her happy.

Rose enjoyed family time, OU tailgating, vacations, entertaining, the hallmark channel, and shopping. One of her favorite times of the year was Black Friday. Rose, her BFF Jennifer and her sister Gerry, always had a plan, maps, and a “cheapachino” as they planned their strategic shopping event. If you wanted a good deal, you talked to Rose, Jen and Gerry.

Rose passed away six days before her 49th birthday. She will always be remembered for her compassion, empathy, and spirit of life.

She is survived by her loving husband, Chris Kalinski; two sons, Gavin and Mathew; her parents, Rita and Alfred Giroux; her sister, Gerry Bugg and husband Mike; her two brothers, Charles Giroux and John Giroux and wife Jodi; nieces, Katie Giroux-Gourley and Jessica Giroux; nephew, Jason Giroux; nephew, Nathan Bugg and wife Stephanie; niece Sarah Bugg; nephew, Ethan Wade; niece, Kaylen and Ashlen Wade; in-laws, John and Connie Kalinski; sister-in law, Amber Kalinski; her BFF, Jennifer Messner; goddaughters, Grace and Lizzy Forehand; and many other friends who were considered family.

No words can truly express our appreciation for the prayers, love and support you have all shown during this time. As we continue to navigate this unchartered territory, we understand many want to know what more they can do to help. Here are a few things we feel would not only be helpful to the family, but also honor Rose:

● For those wishing to make a contribution in Rose’s name, please consider donating to a college fund for the boys via PayPal, Kalinskifamily417@gmail.com or to Saint Thomas More’s St. Vincent de Paul Society, https://stm-ou.org/svdp

● Everyone has shown overwhelming support to Chris and the boys by bringing food, and the kitchen is now overflowing :-) . The family would welcome donations via DoorDash, Kalinskifamily417@gmail.com that will be used to support them in the months ahead.

● We encourage friends and family to perform a small act of kindness for someone during this holiday season in her honor. We would love to hear the story of what you did and how it relates to Rose; email your act of kindness to Kalinskifamily417@gmail.com or post it as a comment on the funeral home webpage https://www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com/tributes/Rose-Kalinski

● If someone asks “You know what?”, please respond with “Chicken Butt”