It is with heavy hearts, but wonderful memories, that we announce the passing of Rosemarie Meidinger of Victoria, BC, formerly of Calgary.
Rosemarie was born to Fred and Emma Meidinger (nee Hagel) in Beiseker, Alberta, the youngest sister to Elaine, Viola, and Roger. She received her Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta (Calgary Campus) and later went on to receive her masters degree from the University of Oregon. While Rosemarie was both a teacher and principal with the Calgary Catholic School District over 32 years, her true passion lay in teaching English. Over the years, she instilled an appreciation for the power of story and written word in many students.
An outspoken and passionate advocate of volunteerism and social justice, Rosemarie taught in the community of Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, and later in Kiribati (Central Pacific), as a volunteer with the VICS (Volunteer International Christian Service) organization. Years later, while living in Ladysmith, she volunteered at a local elementary school reading with children and as a hospice worker in palliative care. Most recently, she became involved with the Victoria Grandmothers, many of whom became supportive friends.
Above all, Rosemarie cherished her family and many friends. The long kitchen visits, her phone calls and mailed cards, with her telltale handwriting, were familiar to all who loved her. While a prairie girl at heart, Rosemarie loved the serenity and power of the ocean; she loved trees, books, dogs, a glass of scotch and listening to the CBC!
Rosemarie is predeceased by her parents Emma and Fred, her sister Viola Murphy, nephews Timmy Murphy and most recently, Noel Murphy. She leaves behind her older sister Elaine (Bunyan), older brother Roger Meidinger (Joanne), cousins, numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and many friends.
A celebration of Rosemarie’s life was held on Thursday, March 17th at 2 pm at McCall Gardens (4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC), with a family gathering in Calgary planned for a later date. Those wishing to join virtually may do so by using the zoom link. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81164686747?pwd=QUlrSTFncyt2SmdBbXZXQjNVK2pQQT09
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rosemarie’s honour to any charity of choice or to Victoria’s SPCA.
Condolences may be offered to the family below. You may view the service below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
24 Responses
Auntie Rosemarie was a huge part of our lives in the Murphy family. She would take the long trek across the country to visit us in Nfld. She helped fill our lives with laughter, in depth sociological and political discussions and the enjoyment of a long walk and good food. Rosemarie was a person of strong convictions and she would deeply probe your thoughts and beliefs on many areas of interest. Thankfully we always passed herthreshold and found so much common ground. We Murphy girls were deeply saddened by her passing as are so many others. She was a strong and very loving presence in all of our lives. I am certain she is happy to be reunited with those she loved who have gone on before her. Smooth sailing auntie and grauntie. Hug all those people and our many dogs in heaven. They will all remember you.
Heather(neice), Bruce(grand-nepew) and Rosemarie (grand niece)
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Rosemarie. She was a colleague and a friend and we enjoyed teaching with her at Father Lacombe High School in Calgary.
Sincere condolences to her family.
May she Rest In Peace……
Al and Pam Scrobogna
So sorry to lose a fiend. I met Rosemarie when she first moved from Calgary. I know how much family meant to her.
Rosemarie was a born teacher; the concern and love she showed for her students at Taborio High School on Kiribati was wonderful to witness.
I was so glad to have known Rosemarie through VICS. We had a great road trip to a reunion in Alberta some years ago, and lively talks, lots of laughter! She loved books, when I last saw her in September 2021 I couldn’t leave her place without 3 or 4 – very generous. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and other friends.
I did not know Rosemarie; but all your comments about her made me wish I had known her. I shall keep her in my prayers with all of you; and I shall pray that God puts his loving arms around her, and accompanies her on her final journey. God’s blessings on all VICS volunteers. Sincerely, Anne Robinson
Miss Meidinger was my teacher at St. Michael school, Calgary. She was an amazing teacher and a mentor who always motivated us to give and do our best.
Wasn’t it something to know Rosemarie. She brought laughter, wisdom and compassion to every situation and person. On her last visit to Saskatchewan for a VICS reunion she stayed at my place and she bonded with my two dogs, Lady and Bentley. We ate ice cream together and they loved her back. In our communication afterwards she always asked how the pups were.
I will miss her compassion, wisdom and laughter!
Rosemarie was a dear friend.
We shared many a laugh and or a cry and or a hot discussion!
We supported one another while volunteering in Kiribati. Her devotion and commitment to her work was outstanding.
She wasn’t supposed to go before me..but such is the will of God. Amen
Rosemarie was a much-loved member of GRAN (Grandmothers Advocacy Network) who cared deeply about the grandmothers in Africa who are raising their orphaned grandchildren. She loved children and often asked about other people’s grandchildren. Her stories of teaching in the north and in Kiribati revealed a very creative and dedicated teacher who loved everyone in her classes. She took life seriously but was also willing to see the comical side and we often laughed together! She frequently talked about her family and the last time I saw her, she let her breakfast sandwich and coffee get cold as she told me about the recent news about the family.