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
Aunt Rosemarie was a constant in our life. She was the one who kept those of us out East up to date with the goings-on on the other side of the country. Her cards, letters, and phone calls were always a delight. She genuinely wanted to know how we were doing and what we were up to. Over the past couple of years we added zoom calls to the mix, and I am very grateful that I was able to stay so connected with her, even with this huge country between us. It was a shock to lose her, because it felt like she would last forever, fueled by her endless curiosity and adventurous spirit. She seems to have had a million friends, and I know she loved her family fiercely. My sympathies to all who are feeling the loss.
Rosemarie was the principal at St Benedict school in Calgary when my two early grades children attended there in 1976 onward. As a very young, involved mother, but also a teacher myself, I was very much inspired and influenced by Rosemaries’ values and vision. She was a very caring, fair, strong, intelligent, and energetic lady. I ended up spending numerous years as a parent volunteer and leader working closely with Rosemarie. It was always a pleasure to catch up with her in later years as she moved on, my children grew older and I got back into the classroom.
Rest in peace, Rosemarie! You live forever in my heart and memories!
Unfortunately, I was unable to open the photo and therefore could only approve the text.
I read in the Calgary Herald about the passing of Rosemarie Meidinger and remembered her as one of the majorettes I taught for the Beiseker Lions Club Band back in the 50s. She is the girl 4th from the left and I am their majorette instructor in the front. She was very good at baton twirling and a pleasure to teach.
I am sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences to the family.
M.J. Samuelson
(formerly in the 50s, Margaret MacDonald)
Rosemarie was a very skilled and busy woman as indicated by her dedication to teaching both in Alberta and overseas. She also volunteered in a variety of places as mentioned in other comments. I admired her compassion and strong interest in social justice. She had a sharp mind, a very big heart and a great sense of humour. I was very fortunate to have Rosemarie in my life and she will be dearly missed by me and many others.
So sad to know that my cousin Rosemarie will not be visiting Calgary for a gab fest. We have had some good ones in the past. All of my family enjoyed her visits immensely and she is already missed. I know all the angels in heaven have welcomed her with open arms. My sincere condolences to all of Rosemarie’s family and friends. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Dot
Very sorry to hear of the passing of my cousin Rosemarie. My wife and I were privileged to reconnect with Rosemarie during her trips to Medicine Hat, AB to visit with relatives over the last number of years. She was such an intelligent and inquisitive person, and a pleasure to visit with.
Her love and caring for her close family members was always obvious and so sincere. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Rosemarie’s family – I know she will be missed. God Bless all of you at this difficult time.
We discovered Rosemarie working on the NDP campaign in Cedar on Vancouver Island, many years ago. Then we discovered that there was a Meidinger connection going back to 1947 when her older sister Elaine was my first babysitter in Beiseker. Rosemarie has been a part of our lives, a support and a dear friend. She loved helping take care of the baby lambs on the farm. Rosemarie was going to come up and spend a few days with us. Always changing her plans! We will miss you Rosemarie.
Sincere condolence to the family, may her soul rest in peace; thoughts and prayers from a “co-VICS” volunteer.
Fifty odd years later Miss Meidinger stands out in my memory as a wonderful teacher who successfully imparted her love of English to her students. At St.Mikes in Calgary, she prepared us well, in hindsight, it was a privilege to be taught by her. May she rest in peace.