Many of us have savoured a meal at Huntsville’s popular Westside Fish and Chips. For us, it’s been our “treat to ourselves” restaurant since we moved to the 705 two years ago. Besides the fabulous food, the staff is as charming as the décor. They epitomize the best in local business.
Sadly, Westside Fish and Chips has announced the passing of co-founder and co-owner Rose Blanchette. In a tribute on Facebook, the family described her as a “force to be reckoned with.”
Our condolences to Rose’s family and loved ones. She will be missed by her community.
Courtesy: Facebook – Westside Fish and Chips
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rose Blanchette, co-owner of Westside Fish and Chips. Rose passed away peacefully at Algonquin Grace Hospice in Huntsville at 88 years old.
We imagine that she is happily reunited with the love of her life, her husband Armand after his passing in 2020 and many family members and lifelong friends that pre deceased her.
After cottaging here for many years, Rose and Armand moved to Huntsville in 1979 purchasing Westside Variety Store. It was soon realized that the west end of town was in need of restaurants, so a small take-out menu was started. It became so popular a 12 seat, sit down restaurant was started in 1983, eventually expanding to what it is today.
While Rose was officially retired for many years, she was the other half and Deb’s business partner in the background. Rose always dreamt of owning her own fish and chips restaurant and Westside Fish and Chips became her pride and joy and the legacy that she leaves behind. Rose was a tenacious and driven businesswoman. She was a force to be reckoned with – full of ideas and ambition.
She loved bringing family and friends to enjoy a meal and brought many of the teapots on the shelves home from her adventures travelling and from flea markets in Florida.
She will be missed by many, most notably by her four children, Sharon, Tim, Deb and Judith, grandchildren and great grandchildren and extended family.
Details regarding her funeral and visitation to follow once arrangements have been made.
