It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved mother and wife, Rosanna Tripp. She was born in Kitchener, Ontario in 1952, to Walter and Ann (Kungl) Sawa. They moved to Sarnia, where her brother Dann (Ann) Sawa was born. Rosanna grew up speaking German, as that was the common language shared by her parents. The family learned English together and built a foundation of strong family ties. Rosanna met Jim Tripp, the love of her life, in the summer of 1971. They both attended The University of Waterloo. They were married in the summer of 1974. They attended the University of Western Ontario, where they obtained their teaching degrees. The couple settled in Sarnia, to begin their life’s work in education. Rosanna taught at several high schools in the Sarnia Lambton system, over the years. She concluded her career at Northern Collegiate, her alma mater, where she was head teacher librarian for many years. Rosanna is survived by her many family members: Daughter Melissa (Mike) Pottruff and her son Adam (Julie) Tripp and four wonderful grandchildren Grayson, Annistyn, Adaline and Presley. Her brother Dann (Ann) Sawa and her sister in law Shirley (Dennis) DesRivieres. Her uncle Lou Durette and her cousins Mark (Krystal) Cusack and Sharon Cusack. Along with her nieces Renee (Jaime), Katie, Gillian, Jennifer and nephew Rob DesRivieres. Until her health condition made it impossible, Rosanna was an active traveler. She took her husband Jim on cruises and many adventures throughout the Caribbean, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Russia and even into the Middle East. Her favorite destination was Orlando, where she and Jim could take their children and grandchildren to the Disney World parks, yearly. Rosanna made her home a loving and open environment to her in laws, friends and family. She was always ready to wear the hostess hat. Starting with the pool opening parties, many summer cookouts, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and birthdays, were always exceptional. Rosanna fiercely loved her husband and children. Her marriage of 47 years to Jim, should stand as a bench mark to all who knew them as a couple. She taught us how to overcome any obstacles, achieve your dreams and to truly love your family. This was her philosophy for a full and happy life.
“Those we love remain part of us
Our loved ones leave this world but never our hearts…
Always remembered, always loved, forever together.”
Family and friends will be received at SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 1576 London Line, Sarnia, on Saturday, April 10, 2021, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A funeral service will follow at Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, April 10, 2021, at 11:30 a.m. Due to Provincial COVID-19 restrictions, those who wish to attend the visitation and/or funeral must each RSVP with a time to attend the visitation and/or funeral: signup.com/go/fmYCDQB. A private family interment will be held in Lakeview Cemetery. If you have been invited by the family to attend, masks are mandatory. The funeral home has a limited supply; please bring your own mask.
February 18th 1952 April 5th 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Rosanna Tripp February 18th 1952 April 5th 2021..
Décès pour la Ville:Sarnia, Province: Ontario