It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Dietlind Helga Roman at the Vineyards Residence in Kelowna, B.C. on November 2, 2021. Born on April 23, 1930, Dietlind began her accomplished life in Schwedt Germany to parents, Alfred and Elfrieda Boldt. She spoke often of her childhood where her love of music, nature, learning and sports, would become the foundation for a life of many interests and abundant successes. Time spent with her cherished father in the family garden, entertaining with her mother and seeking adventures with her friends came to an abrupt end by the commencement of WWII. She would later meet her future husband, Virgil Constantine Roman. Their daughter, Carmen Roman, arrived prior to immigrating to Canada where the young family embarked on new beginnings. Daughter Gloria Roman and son Adrian Roman were born in Thunder Bay, Ontario where the family made their home settling in Rosslyn Village.
No matter who we are or where we come from, we all have our own journey and our own story to tell. It was in Rosslyn Village where her many achievements and commitment to her family and community began. An accomplished pianist and organist, she dedicated 45 years to Pinegrove United Church as the organist and choir director. Her passion for music and her steady patience was felt by her many students in the neighborhood, to whom she taught piano and organ lessons. She was active with the Royal Conservatory at Lakehead University and served on the Board of the Royal Canadian College of Organists. A career at Hogarth Hospital commenced late in life, after pursuing studies as a Nurse’s Assistant from Confederation College. Her favorite past times were spending as much time in nature as possible, gardening and enjoying the outdoors. She became so well-known in the region for her gardening skills that busloads of admirers would come to enjoy her many creative flower gardens, her fish pond filled with koi fish, her year round sunroom filled with her treasured flowers and her many colorful deck filled flower containers, bringing much pleasure to her soul and inspiration to the countless on-lookers. She made many friendships throughout her lifetime and all cherished her enlightened conversations, kindness and very caring nature. Her positive outlook in life, her sense of humour, her value of individual humanness and delight in one’s personal stories made her loved and respected by all.
Her work ethic, determination, patience, awe of life’s many blessings, optimism and gratitude for her gifted inner strength made her resilient and never adverse to new challenges or adventures. Even though she suffered a stroke in 2006, she never limited her pursuits nor what filled her heart with happiness. Reading, researching, developing an aptitude for the computer, love of flowers & gardening and her passion for music continued. It was her son Adrian and his wife Donna as well as their children Catlin and Natasha that provided the comfort and support to her while she lived in Thunder Bay. After her stroke, she said good-bye to her home of 50+ years but her adventure continued with moves to Calgary to be by her daughter Carmen, spouse Marcel and granddaughter Breigh Linden, where she had the opportunity to enjoy many symphonies and operas and jaunts to the Rockies; to Whitehorse in the Yukon with her daughter Gloria and spouse John where she got to experience wildlife at her doorstep and nature in its full beauty, and finally to the Okanagan residing with daughter Gloria and spouse John in Vernon enjoying a different kind of beauty of manicured golf course, nature, birds and stars through her window. Observing nature in its entire splendor, the skies in its multitude of colors, the twinkling of the night sky and the many animals and birds that would visit her daily brought much bliss and reflection. These simple pleasures allowed her to delight in every moment. But Dietlind’s greatest bliss was her family. They brought her much joy and happiness. Mostly, she appreciated the comfort that each brought to her life as her health waned over the years.
Dietlind passed away peacefully at 91 years of age with Gloria by her side. She is survived by her daughters Carmen Roman and partner Marcel Kristek of Calgary; Gloria Roman and partner John Spicer of Vernon; son Adrian Roman and wife Donna of Thunder Bay. Her three grandchildren Natasha of Thunder Bay, Breigh Linden of Edmonton; Catlin (Lisa) of Victoria and a great-granddaughter Maya of Victoria also survive her. She was predeceased by her husband Virgil in 1999.
A celebration of her life will take place in the spring of 2022 where nature, birds, wildlife, beautiful flowers, music and family will say final goodbyes. Donations, if desired, can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of your choice.
Her presence, words of wisdom, endearing smile and laughter will be dearly missed as we begin our healing journey to fulfill the void in our hearts.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Dietlind Roman November 2nd 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Vernon, Province: Colombie britanique