Rose Lees, OPSEU's first woman staff rep, passes away at 71

Born in Scotland, she will be remembered for her contribution to the labour movement

Toronto (25 July 2006) - The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) joins the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) in mourning the passing of Rose Lees, who died peacefully at age 71 at St. Joseph's Villa In Hamilton on July 20. She was the first woman staff representative for OPSEU.

Rose was born in Scotland and came to Canada in 1956. She spent most of her working life in the Hamilton area where she will be remembered for her contribution to the labour movement, having worked for the United Glass and Ceramic Workers Union as a staff representative, and as coordinator of field services for OPSEU for almost 20 years. Rose and husband Jim retired to Southampton, Ont., in 1992.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 24, at 1 p.m. at the Cattel, Eaton and Chambers Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, in Dundas. Interment is in St. Augustine's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. NUPGE