Rose A. Hemeon

Rose Aimee (Beaulieu) (Yee) Hemeon, 86, of Manchester, NH, passed away peacefully at Community Hospice House in Merrimack on 11/22/24, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on February 19, 1938, in Dégelis, Quebec, Canada, to Aime and Rose (Fortin) Beaulieu. She was beloved by her husband and all her family including her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will carry on her legacy.

Rose's life was marked by her incredible resilience, warmth, and determination. Together with her late husband Henry, they established the first Chinese restaurant in Port Angeles, Washington—Henri Yee’s Orientale—which became renowned for its authentic cuisine and lively entertainment. Rose's business acumen extended beyond the restaurant, as she later worked as a Regional Manager for Denny’s Restaurant in Salem, NH, and as Managing Director for Pretzel Time, where she was recognized as the top sales leader in the U.S.

Her entrepreneurial spirit was matched only by her dedication to family. Rose was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose kindness and generosity touched everyone who knew her. She had a gift for bringing people together, and her home was always open to family and friends. Her favorite time of year was Christmas, when she delighted in the magic of the season and the joy it brought to her children and grandchildren.

In her later years, after retiring, Rose embraced new passions. She took up the piano, explored drawing and painting, and even wrote two books—Wander and A Road without a Map—leaving a lasting legacy of memories for her loved ones. Her insatiable curiosity and adventurous spirit never waned, and she was never afraid to learn something new. Rose believed that life was about making the most of every moment, whether it was through travel, spending time with family, or trying something she'd never done before.

Rose's career in hospitality shaped her approach to life: she was always two steps ahead, ensuring that everyone’s needs were met before they even had to ask. She was efficient, selfless, and never rested, always putting others first and making sure that everyone felt welcome and cared for. Her smile could light up any room, and her honesty, trustworthiness, and thoughtful nature made her a beloved presence to all who knew her.

Her love of community and friendship followed her into a 20-year membership of the American Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary at Post #79 and Post #2, where she established and lead a cribbage club that was enjoyed by dozens of legion members. 

Her legacy of love, determination, and selflessness will live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, and everyone whose life she touched.

Rose Aimee (Beaulieu) (Yee) Hemeon is survived by her loving husband of 21 years, James F. Hemeon, and her children: Angela Yee Heenan (son-in-law Eric Heenan), and Martine (Labrecque) Corriveau (partner Robert Beaudry).

She is also survived by her stepchildren: James J. Hemeon and Diane (Hemeon) (MacPherson) Crespo.

Rose was a proud grandmother to her grandchildren: William Henry Heenan, Andrew Yee Heenan, Laurence Labrecque, and Charles-Antoine Labrecque, and a great-grandmother to Albert Lanthier. She was also a loving step-grandmother to Tyler MacPherson, Devon MacPherson, James M. Hemeon, Christopher M. Hemeon, and Amanda M. Hemeon.

She is survived by her siblings: Pierrette Beaulieu (partner Gerry Bourdeau), Louiselle Beaulieu, and Rachel Corriveau (sister-in-law); as well as nieces and nephews, including Mario Dube, Gino Dube, Simon Dube, Kathleen Boulet, Tina Joubert, Sylvie Owen, Daniel Beaulieu, and Macy Pelletier.

She was predeceased by her first husband, Henry Yee; her sister Giselle Dube; her brother Jacques Beaulieu; and several other family members, including Maxime Beaulieu (brother-in-law) and Henri Dube (brother-in-law).

The family will receive visitors Sunday, December 8th, 2-5pm, at Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 243 Hanover Street in Manchester. Funeral Service will begin at 5pm in the funeral home chapel. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Easter Seals online at www.eastersealsnh.org. To view Rose's online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or find more information, please visit www.phaneuf.net. We kindly ask that those leaving online condolences share how they knew Rose, as it brings comfort and connection to all who loved her.

Rose will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her spirit will live on through the love she gave, the lessons she taught, and the joy she brought to all our lives.