Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Manitoba for funeral details
Our beloved Rosalie Andrea Schwartz (nee Hansen) left this world October 16, 2024. We are deeply saddened, but also comforted she is now free of suffering. Rosalie was born January 16, 1939 to Gudrun (Goodie) and Henry Hansen. She spent her childhood in Winnipegosis, Winnipeg and Vancouver; eventually settling in Winnipeg with her husband William (Bill). Rosalie and Bill lived in their home on DeGraff Bay for 57 years. At the time of Bill’s passing in 2022, they were married for 65 years.
Rosalie would be the first person to tell you she was no saint, but she lived a life guided by overwhelming love and generosity. In the early days of marriage and children, she embraced her role as homemaker, lavishing attention on her family, her home, and perfecting her cooking and baking skills. DeGraff Bay Park, across the street, was a gathering place for all the neighbourhood children. Any friends of Rosalie’s children knew they were welcome in her home.
As the children got older Rosalie pursued many interests. Her happiness came from helping, serving, and giving. For years Rosalie volunteered every summer at the Teddy Bear’s Picnic alongside her dear friend Sally. When her kids brought home a box of abandoned kittens, Rosalie was hooked. After that, and despite Bill’s objections, her home was never without a cat or two or more! Rosalie spent hours volunteering at Quagga Cat Rescue. She was also employed for many years, first in home care for seniors and later in housekeeping. She became instant friends with all her clients.
Rosalie was gentle and compassionate with people and animals but watch out if you ticked her off! She had an amazing sense of humour and a witticism for every occasion. If someone complained about dinner, she would say ʻfire the cook!’, adding her taunting ʻmrahaha’ as she cupped her hands, tapping her fingertips together with a mischievous grin.
Rosalie and Bill socialized with a wide circle of family, friends and neighbours. They enjoyed travel, with many trips to Saskatchewan, BC, and the USA. Rosalie loved to celebrate the people around her. She eagerly attended gatherings of her large extended family. She adored her Aunties Olga, Rosa and Hulda, visiting them often. Grandma Goodie and sister Marge were also a constant presence. Family members received cards for every birthday and other occasions. The grandkids loved to receive cards with Rosalie’s beautiful handwriting, and a gift of money, stickers, and/or notes of encouragement. Rosalie loved Christmas. Her Christmas baking was legendary. She loved decorating the house and shopping for gifts. It delighted her to choose special gifts for everyone, and then to watch Bill’s reactions as he opened the credit card statements.
More than anything, Rosalie absolutely loved being a Grandma. She knew just what to say to make her grandkids smile. If they were upset or grumpy, she was patient and loving. She encouraged and supported her children and grandchildren. And being a Grandma encouraged her into creative pursuits. Every grandchild received a blanket knit by Rosalie. She knit so many blankets, extras were donated to a home for unwed moms. She also enjoyed creating gifts of cross-stitch and scrapbooking.
Rosalie was a thrifty woman and delighted in finding treasures at garage sales and second-hand stores. But, she was also known to enjoy taking a chance at the casino! She was delighted by gifts of Swarovski crystal and became an avid collector. In later years, Rosalie took up flower gardening with a passion. She transformed the backyard into a beautiful oasis. Many gatherings were enjoyed on the back patio, sitting amid the blossoms with cats wandering by. A rock garden in the corner paid tribute to all the kitties who passed through her life. And a big feeder treated the wildlife. Birds, squirrels and rabbits flocked to Rosalie’s garden.
There was heartache over the years as well, and Rosalie felt each loss deeply. Her loving heart struggled to understand injustice and cruelty. When her own mother developed Alzheimer’s, it was a devastating blow. How unfair and sad then, for us to watch her develop this same horrible disease.
Rosalie is survived by her six children: Michael (Beatrice), Dianne, Steven, Richard, Dale, and Brian (Tracy); as well as many grand- and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sister-in-law Helen Kraemer and brother-in-law Joe Schwartz. She is predeceased by her sister Marge Borthwick and brother Ed Hansen.
We thank the staff of Concordia Place for their wonderful care of Rosalie over the past six years. Also, thank you to the staff at St Boniface Hospital who cared for Mom in her final days. Most of all, we wish to thank Mike and Bea for their near-by presence through Mom’s final years and days. Knowing you were there allowed us to feel secure in her care as we lived in our far places.
Rosalie requested no service. The family will hold a private gathering at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a no-kill animal shelter or animal rescue organization of your choice; or to the Alzheimer’s Society.
Everyone who knew Rosalie was touched by her spirit and her smile. She made the world a better place. She was one of a kind and we miss her dearly. Rest in peace beautiful Rosalie. You live on in our hearts and in our love for one another.
Wednesday October 16th 2024
Death notice for the town of: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba
death notice Rosalie Andrea Schwartz Hansen Wednesday October 16th 2024
obituaries notice Rosalie Andrea Schwartz Hansen Wednesday October 16th 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Rosalie Andrea Schwartz Hansen Wednesday October 16th 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
