Brighton honoured the late Rose Ellery by planting an apple tree at Rose Ellery Park. /Municipality of Brighton photo
Applefest founder and long-time councillor and volunteer Rose Ellery will continue to be remembered in Brighton.
“Rose was all about community – there’s no doubt about that,” recalled Mayor Brian Ostrander.
In her 88th year, Marilyn “Rose” Marie Ellery (Cheer) passed earlier this year on April 22 surrounded by the love of her children, according to her obituary.
Born-and-raised in Brighton, she loved her community – and was well-known for her decades of work through Applefest and decades of service in municipal government, her many volunteer roles, and more.
Ellery was one of the first three people involved in creating Applefest – Brighton’s signature event which marks half-a-century in 2024 – and one of Eastern Ontario’s most successful rural festivals, Ostrander was quick to add.
In her honour, members of council and the Applefest advisory committee, joined by Ellery’s family, recently gathered for a special dedication – and fitting tribute – in her memory at Rose Ellery Park.
Located at the corner of Main and Ontario streets, the park was created not long after the 2008 fire destroyed the heritage home that stood at the site since the 1840s. In the years that followed, Rose Ellery Park blossomed, breathing new life into the land while shining a light on Ellery’s lifetime contributions to her community.
The park was dedicated in her honour more than a decade ago now and will continue to serve as a reminder of her legacy in the community.
The apple tree planting ceremony rallied several others together in her honour – Mike and Lori’s Garden donated the tree, and municipal parks and rec staff co-ordinated the planting, noted the municipality.
Ostrander and Applefest chair Laura Knegt both spoke at the ceremony, sharing heartfelt words around Ellery’s contributions through her tenure on council, her “unwavering support for countless local charities and organizations she volunteered with, and her vision for Brighton’s Applefest.”
Ellery’s tireless contributions to Applefest surpassed 30 years.
A plaque will also later be installed beside the tree, which the municipality said will recognize her service. It will also describe Ellery as a “Champion for Brighton.” (Its arrival was delayed as supply chain issues persist.)
The June dedication mirrors the June 2013 dedication of the park.
Through just her time on council – from the late 70s into the early 2000s – Ostrander noted her “fingerprints” are on a lot of Brighton’s history.
He recalled how their families were often intertwined through the years.
Ellery always loved the outdoors and gardening – she was influential in the community’s Communities in Bloom recognition in years past.
She often also helped with beautification projects through her church, or just generally around town – before this was truly even a thing, including in the years before municipal staff handled such projects.
She juggled a career and raising five children – and didn’t slow during her retirement years.
Whether through Probus, Proctor House, the Brighton Barn Theatre, and more, Ellery took on countless causes and committees over the years.
“Always a hard worker and active in Brighton, the community she loved, Rose would follow the ‘bloom where you’re planted’ philosophy and did her very best to make it better for all,” reads her obituary.
Those who remember Ellery recall her love for her family, community, and how she was always ready to help.
Flags at all municipal buildings were lowered to half-mast in her memory following her passing earlier this year.
It’s anticipated Ellery will be honoured at this year’s Applefest as well.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
