Rosemary 'Rosie' Brester, 80
Daily Inter-Lake | UPDATED 1 hour, 31 minutes AGO
Rosemary “Rosie” Brester, 80, passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 23, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on Nov. 23, 1945, to Neil and Eileen Boyd, Rosie was the oldest of four children. She grew up in Hungry Horse where she attended school before graduating from Columbia Falls High School in 1964.
Following high school, Rosie pursued nursing training in Missoula, beginning what would become a 50-year nursing career. Throughout her career, she primarily worked as a labor and delivery nurse, helping welcome countless new lives into the world. Her compassion and dedication to caring for others extended beyond her years at KRMC. After retiring from nursing, Rosie continued sharing her knowledge and passion by teaching parenting and birthing classes, helping prepare families for the joys and challenges of welcoming a new baby.
In 1967, Rosie married Richard Brester, beginning a loving union that spanned 59 years. Together, they raised three children: Todd (Sherry), Scott, and Heidi Allbrook. Rosie’s greatest joy was her family, and she was affectionately known as “Nana” to all 11 of her grandchildren. She also cherished her role as a great-grandmother to three great-grandchildren.
Rosie had a special gift for making everyone she met feel loved. Her warmth, affection, and generous heart left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Whether caring for families in the delivery room, teaching new parents, or loving on her own family, Rosie shared her kindness freely. She truly was an angel, and her presence will be deeply missed by so many.
Rosie was preceded in death by her mother and father, her sister Candy, and her sister Sherry Lynn.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 59 years, Richard; her three children, Todd (Sherry), Scott, and Heidi Allbrook; her 11 grandchildren; Andrew, Nicholas, Quinn, Matteo, Meadow, Dylan, Dustyn, Mackenzie, Jared, Brendan, Teegan; three great-grandchildren; brother Danny Boyd and numerous nieces and nephews.
Rosie’s life was defined by her compassion, her dedication to caring for others, and the deep love she shared with her family. From helping bring new life into the world to nurturing generations of her own family, she made a difference in countless lives. Though her passing was unexpected, the love she gave so freely will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be dearly missed and forever loved.
A service will be held at Risen Christ Parish in early spring (March).