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
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Marie Laframboise
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Matthew Cyr 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.
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Carol Schwartzenberger 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.
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Bev Miller Rosemarie’s in Heaven with God Our Father and Her ancestors and all the animals she loves. Peace❤️
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Tara Murphy 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.
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Ellen Radomski 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!
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MJ Samuelson 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)
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Joan Schwartzenberger 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.
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Darlene P Howden (Dot Miller) 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
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Terry Meidinger 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.
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Phil Little and Anne Marie McDonell 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.
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Juliet Marte Sincere condolence to the family, may her soul rest in peace; thoughts and prayers from a “co-VICS” volunteer.
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Barbara Gorzkowska (Mankowski) 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.
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Heather Murphy Megill 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)
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Al and Pam Scrobogna 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
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sabine Laubental So sorry to lose a fiend. I met Rosemarie when she first moved from Calgary. I know how much family meant to her.
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Elaine Hughes Rosemarie was a born teacher; the concern and love she showed for her students at Taborio High School on Kiribati was wonderful to witness.
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Nora Riordan 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.
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Anne Robinson 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
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Carol Rowe (Budd) 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.
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Sheila Murray 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!
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Linda Dobni 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
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Phyllis Webster 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.
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.