Rose-Marie Bollier

Rose-Marie Huelin Bollier, 90, died on Good Friday, March 30, 2018, at her home in Prairie Village, Kansas.  A native of Switzerland, Rose-Marie was born September 8, 1927 in Zürich.  She graduated from École Benedict, Neuchâtel, Switzerland in 1946.  She applied her proficiency in the German and French languages as a stenographer.

As a young girl, Rose-Marie was introduced to Scouting by tagging along with her older sister.   It was during this time she acquired the nickname “Papillon” (butterfly).  Rose-Marie took joy in the mountains surrounding her home - visiting family, hiking, and scaling towering peaks.

She met Robert "Bob" Bollier through a mutual family friend.  After they immigrated to the United States, they were married on July 7, 1951, in Kansas City, Kansas.  Rose-Marie became a US citizen in 1959.

A dedicated, encouraging wife and mother, Rose-Marie considered one of her proudest accomplishments the loving home she made for Bob and their five children: Danielle Griffith (Overland Park, KS), Eric Bollier (Bakersfield, CA), René Bollier (Mission Hills, KS), Corinne Tyler (Centennial, CO) and Michèle Miller, (Highlands Ranch, CO).

Rose-Marie instilled in her children a love of family, service and their Swiss heritage.  Family vacations in the mountains of Colorado, scouting and Swiss traditions were a part of growing up a Bollier.

Extending her love to those outside the home, Rose-Marie taught children’s Sunday School at her church and tutored pupils in reading at Troost School (KC, MO).   Supporting her children’s scouting involvement, she served as a den mother and campfire leader.   She was an enthusiastic booster for her children’s high school band activities.  When her children had families of their own, Rose-Marie eagerly attended special events in the lives of her grandchildren whenever possible.   She recently enjoyed meeting and holding her great-granddaughter.

Through all of her life, Rose-Marie’s love of nature was evident. She especially enjoyed flowers and birdwatching.   Many an injured bird or small animal that she or the children found near her home received her attention.

She was a member of Second Presbyterian Church, KC Swiss Society and Chapter HE of the P.E.O. Sisterhood.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, sister, and husband Bob.  Rose-Marie is survived by her children, nine grandchildren, a great-grandchild, and many dear family members and friends in the United States and Switzerland.

A memorial service will be held 3:00 PM on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Second Presbyterian Church, 318 E. 55th Street, Kansas City, MO 64113.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial contribution recognizing Rose-Marie’s love of the outdoors may be made to: Overland Park Arboretum (8909 W. 179th St, OP, KS 66013); Operation Wildlife (23375 Guthrie Rd, Linwood, KS 66052); or Crested Butte Land Trust (PO Box 2224, Crested Butte, CO 81224).