October 14, 1929 - December 9, 2007 Born in Kitchener, Ontario, and died peacefully in Vancouver after a short and valiant battle with brain cancer. Sadly missed by her sister, Eleanore Rosinke of Toronto; her husband of 54 years, Donald; daughters Julianne and Kathy; sons Anders and Peder (Louisa Jardine); and grandchildren Jens and Claire Ourom and Flora Dunster, who sorely miss their Granny O. Also survived by family in Canada, Germany, Norway and England. Predeceased by her parents, Leo Rosinke and Klara Kaesler, who emigrated from Prussia in the 1920's and settled in Kitchener-Waterloo. Mom was very proud of her German heritage. After high school, her independent and adventurous nature took her to Stratford Normal School, followed by teaching first in Goose Bay, Labrador, and then in British Guiana where she met Don, a civil engineer from Saskatchewan. After their marriage and a honeymoon in post-war Europe, Mom and Dad settled in Kingston, Ontario where all four children were born. In 1962, the family moved to and settled in Vancouver. Vancouver was a wonderful place to raise a family and enjoy the many outdoor and cultural opportunities of a larger city surrounded by mountains and ocean. After her children were in school, Mom completed her B.Ed. at U.B.C., specialising in school librarianship. “Mrs. O” worked as a teacher-librarian in Vancouver for 27 years instilling a lifelong love of reading in the children of Livingstone, Bayview, Waverley and Lord Nelson Schools. She passionately promoted children's literature and was active on various library and children's literature committees. Mom treasured her long-lasting friendships, including several from early childhood. She was a born teacher and supported many colleagues in their efforts to educate Vancouver children. Some of these working relationships blossomed into the very best of friendships. Her enthusiasms for Red Riding Hood, children's literature, antique silver teaspoons and other collectibles led to world-wide friendships and wide-ranging collections, as well as many enjoyable and productive visits to second hand stores. Mom approached life with enthusiasm and zest, ensuring there was never a dull or wasted moment. She inspired (and sometimes exhausted) others with her energy and ideas, and was generous with advice, whether welcome or not. After retirement she continued to enjoy life to the fullest with numerous trips to Europe, New York, Seattle, San Francisco, the Yukon, Alaska and Ontario, many focussed on opera and theatre, particularly the Ring Cycle. She belonged to Vancouver Opera and the Metropolitan Opera Guild. She was an avid gardener and spent many happy hours “playing in her garden” (as she called it) at home and at the cabin on Lasqueti Island where she fought an ongoing battle with the deer and sheep. She grew a variety of interesting plants ranging from kiwi and figs to herbs and heritage roses, and was generous in sharing with other gardeners. She was a Van Dusen Master Gardener for over twenty years, and was especially passionate about worm composting, teaching many workshops. She was also active in the Dunbar Garden Club, the Vancouver Guild of Embroiderers, the Catholic Women's League and other community organisations where she usually enlivened the proceedings. An accomplished cook and baker, her trays of homemade Christmas cookies, with recipes refined through many years of practise, were appreciated each year by all those fortunate enough to enjoy them. We are continuing with some of her traditions. Knitting, needlework and sewing were also accomplishments, with family members and charities being the lucky recipients of her output. Mom was a storyteller by nature. Often the tales grew in the telling, a trait inherited from her father. It has been said that she never let facts stand in the way of a good story. She was a voracious reader and self-described “printaholic”, as well as an enthusiastic letter writer, and loved to share her experiences with others. She was active in her church and participated in many activities, particularly craft fairs. She was strong in her faith, passionate about recycling, environmentally aware, and concerned about the world of the future. One of her last wishes was to contribute to educational programmes for schoolgirls in Afghanistan. The family would like to thank Robert Greenwood, M.D., for his friendship and care especially in the last few months and Marion Hospice for care in Mom's last days. Liturgy of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 2465 Crown Street at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 18th, followed by a reception in the church hall. Interment at St. John's, Fosterton, Saskatchewan in Spring 2008. No flowers. In keeping with her eclectic and wide-ranging interests, the family welcomes contributions in her name to AGAPE Street Ministry (Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate), The Land Conservancy of British Columbia or Canadian Women for Women Afghanistan. And to continue her love of children's literature and reading, we encourage you to take a moment and read a book to a child.
Published in the Vancouver Sun and/or The Province on 12/15/2007.
