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
Rosemarie and I were friends since elementary school and have kept in touch over the years. I spent many hours at her home while we were growing up. We shared many memories over the years as well as many laughs. She was planning on coming for a visit this summer, I will truly miss that visit.
Rosemarie was a cherished friend, colleague, and mentor for two intense years in our small community in North Tarawa, Kiribati. I have many fond memories of chats and sharing stories, as well as heated debates and disagreements, all of which kept us coming back for more. There are so many words of wisdom that she so freely shared with me that will stay with me forever. Her optimism, inquisitiveness, curiosity and love of life continue to inspire me. I am grateful to have shared a small, but meaningful part of her life with her, and that we had a chance to catch up one last time several years ago when she came out east. Ko batin rabwa, ko aitau, ao te raoi, Rose.
I was lucky enough to have Rosemarie for my first cousin. Didn’t know her all that well in Alberta but was lucky enough to get to know her when she moved to the West Coast – I in Vancouver and she in Ladysmith, then Victoria. She was intelligent and a truly big-hearted volunteer, whether here or overseas. Rosemarie was extremely kind, fun, devoted to her family and friends, and had a fierce single-mindedness that allowed her to accomplish so much in this world. She was a very strong, loyal person and I will miss our long telephone conversations filled with family gossip, tons of laughter, and we always seemed able to encourage each other with the current trials and tribulations in our lives. I will miss her very much and feel incredibly lucky to have had her in my life.
Rosemarie’s in Heaven with God Our Father and Her ancestors and all the animals she loves. Peace❤️