ROSE-MARIE KING

Condolences & Memories (13 entries)

• Thought I'd put a copy of my eulogy in here for those of you who couldn't attend: Hi, for those who don't know me, or it isn't obvious to, I'm Rose-Marie's daughter, Karen. All my life, everyone told me that I looked or sounded just like my mom, but I didn't realize what a compliment this was, and denied it. I also proudly thought then that I was nothing like her. Of course now I know that I can only hope and aspire to be as kind, generous and selfless as she was. Like her, brevity isn't one of my strongest suits, so forgive me, I am my mother's daughter. On that note, I have to say that I so regret that I will never receive another of her long drawn out meandering phone messages, that I barely paid attention to, that always began with, Karen, it's your mother here....as if I didn't recognize her voice, or see her name on the call display. As sad and tragic as it was to lose our mother and grandmother at the fairly young age of 72, and as much as I hate the word cancer, unlike a sudden heart attack or stroke, we were blessed with the time to tell her how much we loved and appreciated her for all she did. During her hospitalization and passing, I learned so much about my mother that I had no idea of before. I knew that she had given up her career to raise us until we were well into our teens, but I didn't know that SHE played baseball, let alone been any good at it! She just gave that all up when we came along, along with skating, dancing, really any kind of a social life when we were young, and if you know my mom and I, we are both very social people, so this must have been so hard on her. And I'm afraid to say that for all her sacrifice, in return, I was one of the most ungrateful brats you could imagine. When she toiled over decorating homemade birthday cakes for me, complete with ballerina, or clowns or animals, I asked why I couldn't have a jeanie's cake like everyone else. When she stayed up sewing a Halloween costume or a costume for a school or church play, it was never good enough, I'd throw a fit, or ask why I couldn't just have a store bought costume. So I have to say that I felt very fortunate that I was able to be there for my mom for the last 3 months while she was in the hospital and be able to take care of HER for once, and slightly repay all she did for me. I fought very hard to get her into Riverview, as did Lisa and my cousin Christine, but think the unit managers, head nurses, palliative care nurse in charge of the program, and doctors got so sick of my constant phone calls pleading and complaining that they finally agreed to transfer her just to get me off their backs. It was so worth the fight too, even just having the quiet and solitude of the big beautiful private room was so important to her mental health, not to mention the incredible compassionate skilled staff there which solely treat terminally ill patients there. They quickly figured out how to completely control her pain there, while managing to keep her lucid most the time. We were all so grateful for that extra time we had with her there. It really felt like bonus time, because she was so gravely ill before she got there, we weren't sure she was going to even wake up to appreciate that we finally fulfilled her wishes to get her there. While I have this captive audience, I'm going to suggest that a beautiful way to honour my mom if each and everyone of you could find the time to write an email or an old school letter in triplicate and send it to the wrha, and the political representatives in your area to insist on more funding for palliative care beds, so more unfortunate souls at the end of their lives can have a peaceful dignified death like my mom did. There is such a shortage of beds right now, so I shudder to think what it will be like in the next 10-20 years with the aging population. I know the federal government had something in the budget for more training for palliative care, which is a start, but really need the physical beds, in their own area, because as the ward doctor told us at Health Science center, he didn't have to follow the recommendations of the palliative care team there while she was on his ward. Another thing I discovered while taking care of her finances while she was in the hospital was how many charities she donated to. She was generous to a fault, and unfortunately some people took advantage of her compassion. Meanwhile my mom shopped at thrift store, cut coupons, but my mom refused to say anything negative about these or other people, she forgave so easily and really only saw the good in everyone. As many of you that know me, I also share in her frugal ways, but have a story of how this bit us both in the behinds, or me in the shoulder and back to be precise. Last May I was fortunate enough to accompany my mom on a trip to Germany, a first for me, and a final of many visits for her. Her body was already weakening, so she decided to take along a knapsack as opposed to her wheeled carry on case because it was lighter when it needed to be carried. Of course she wasn't able to haul it around the large airports, so I happily (at first) offered to carry it for her, along with my heavy purse, and my daughter Serena's brand new wheeled carry on case that she just got the previous Xmas, one of a matching set of 3 suitcases that she begrudgingly let me use. Once I started carrying it though, I couldn't believe how heavy it was, and when I asked what was weighing it down so much, I found out that she packed a 48 pack of double A batteries in her carry on! As you most you know, and can see from her portrait there, she was an avid shutter bug, and all these batteries were for her camera. I told her that I had a power converter along so she could have used rechargeable batteries or her rechargeable camera, but she didn't trust the converter, and was worried that it wouldn't work. When I argued that they do sell batteries in Germany, she said they were more expensive there. When the backpack got too heavy and awkward for me to carry, seeing as I was now also carrying her purse because that was too heavy for her as will, I came up with the brilliant solution of looping the knapsack around the handle of my daughter's wheeled carry on, so I could pull both at the same time. This worked well until we arrived in the Dusseldorf airport, when the handle of my daughter's precious bag snapped. It was unrepairable, so my mom ended up having to buy a new case for Serena, and so I had something to bring my stuff back home in. Fortunately the knapsack was a lot lighter on the way back because my mom left over 30 of the unused batteries with our extended family there. I do have to admit though, that a few times the charger on my camera died, and I ended up having to use her 'low tech' camera, especially at the many art galleries that we visited. In Berlin, we stayed very close to Museum Island, which had 5 enormous art galleries all on one little island, which was a real highlight for us. I know that many of the treasures there were the plundered spoils of war, but it was still a thrill to see the Ishtar Gate, the Pergamon Alter, and Nefertiti's bust all in one place, among many other famous works of art that I studied in Art History. I have my mother to thank for my appreciation of art and culture. She took Kevin and I numerous times to the Art Gallery, the Ballet and to Folklarma when we were young, all without a driver's licence. I think my love of ethnic foods and dances and the travel bug were all seeded at Folklarma. I'm so glad that music and dance in so many forms have been a source of joy throughout my whole life, and have so many friends from salsa dancing and soccer that I am so grateful for. When I did my Fine Arts degree, my mom was one of my biggest fans, she kept many of the vases that I was about to smash. I didn't realize that she had any artistic talent of her own, until she came home from Germany with that rock she painted of the birds a few years ago. If only she was able to have pursued more of her interests instead of putting them all aside for us, but at least she did get to travel a lot in the latter stages of her life. I remember after one of her numerous trips about 5 years ago I asked her if she was saving ANYTHING for retirement. When she told me how little she had put away, it was less that half than what I had saved already for MY retirement, I told her she should think about trying to save more, because I didn't want to have to support her for the next 20 years! Boy, I'm I glad she didn't listen to me now! Colette, my cousin Kenny's wife sent a message of condolence yesterday, saying how full of life and love my mom was, and how she took advantage of the many opportunities she had, like travel especially. She urged me, and now I'll urge you all to never miss an opportunity to take advantage of the fun things that come your way. I'll go one step further and say don't wait until the opportunities come your way, life is so short, make your own opportunities, like my mom did. When she couldn't find someone to go with her on a tour of Great Britain a few years ago, she booked it by herself, with an option of the tour company bunking her with another single traveller if they could find another willing participant, all in the name of saving money of course! She was paired with a lady from Australia named Lola, whom she went on subsequent trips with. Finally, I just want to say how honoured I was to have this incredible woman as my mother. I can only hope to become more and more like her! Thank you all for coming, and listening patiently, and celebrating my mom's life with us. - Posted by: Karen King (daughter) on: Mar 24, 2013

• Rose-Marie had done lots of travelling in the past number of years. I guess, after all the years of raising a family she finally got out there. Well, Amusing story about her travels. She was in Toronto for a visit and we went for dinner with my in laws. My mother in law (Therese, who grew up in the Mont Tremblant, Quebec area, married and moved to Toronto in the 50's) was having small talk with Rose-Marie. After about 5 minutes I noticed they were laughing. Laughing a lot. They were talking about past managers. The same ones! They both worked for Colgate and the management would travel between Toronto and Winnipeg. I was stunned! Such a small world. She instantly became part of my wife Colette's family. That was a fun night. She was such a wonderful lady. I was hoping to see her again this summer. Guess I'll have to wait. We miss you Rose-Marie. - Posted by: Ken and Colette Reimann (Nephew) on: Mar 23, 2013

• Regret that we forgot to put mom's maiden name in the obituary, Reimann, as her family was so important to her. It's very nice to read how mom touched so many people near and far. - Posted by: Karen King (daughter) on: Mar 20, 2013

• Kevin, Lisa and Family, So sorry to hear about your loss, our thoughts are with you and your family. I have no words to take your pain away, just remember she will always be in your heart. - Posted by: Wendy Wasylunk (Scott) (Friend) on: Mar 20, 2013

• My condolences to the Kevin and family. - Posted by: Patricia Zubatiuk (Friend) on: Mar 19, 2013

• Rose-Marie was my aunt/sister/friend. I share the heartbreak that Karen and Kevin and families are experiencing. I was fortunate to share so many experiences with Rose-Marie. PTE for many years, travelling together, having girly gab sessions, many celebrations. I also shared in the experience of her passing and am honored to have done so. Rose-Marie has been in my life since I was born. I miss her horribly already and will for the rest of my life. She was a kind and gentle spirit, always finding the good in life. Rest peacefully, sweet spirit. - Posted by: Christine Hay (Niece) on: Mar 18, 2013

• I was so sad to see the passing of Rosemary. Sixteen years ago she came to my house to become the new owner of little Grayling, a cat I could no longer keep because of my son's allergies. Every Christmas for the next 16 years Rosemary always sent me a Christmas card and photos of Grayling. I was always so pleased and touched to get them. Rosemary phoned me when Grayling passed in the Fall and she was so heartbroken about it. I never guessed that she was so close to heaven too. Rosemary was a beautiful woman and I am sure she is taking care of the cats big and small in heaven now. Rest in peace Rosemary the world will miss your kindness. - Posted by: Elizabeth Buckland (Friend) on: Mar 18, 2013

• Our heartfelt Condolences Keith & family in the loss of your beloved Rose-Marie. We happened to be snowed in together at Masonic Temple and found Rose-Marie a warm and caring individual as well as a hard worker. May she rest in peace. Walter & Natalie Patrick, Texas. - Posted by: Walter & Natalie Patrick () on: Mar 17, 2013

• I want to offer my deepest sympathies to my friends Kevin and Lisa after the loss of Kevin's mother.. I never knew Rose-Marie, but I can only imagine the pain and sadness you are all dealing with after this loss.. My heart goes out to you all.. BIG HUGS!! ~Natalie Stevenson - Posted by: Natalie Stevenson () on: Mar 16, 2013

• My condolences go to your family during this difficult time. I remember Mrs. King during our school days, volunteering at the school. I had told Karen that her mom always had a smile on her face and how nice she was to all of us. Although this is a hard time, be sure to know that she has made an impression on all that knew or had met her! - Posted by: Cindy Loewen-Koltalo (Friend of Karen) on: Mar 16, 2013

• We would like to express our sincere condolences to Rose Mary's family at this time of sorrow. We have been neighbours for over 40 years. We are out of the country so will not be able to attend her memorial service. Rest in peace Rose Mary. Gord and Nina Duke - Posted by: Gordon and Nina Duke (Neighbours) on: Mar 16, 2013

• Rose-Marie was our travel companion for the last ten years, starting with the day she phoned me at Earl Oxford School, in Brandon, from Germany, telling me she had a phone card she wanted to use up. I looked at the 2 boys, sitting with me in my office, who couldn't stop punching each other on the playground, but couldn't stop fooling around in my office. and wondered if maybe there was another world beyond mine. That night I said to Bob, "Is this all there is to our life?". Two years later, we moved to Vancouver and began to travel the world, often with Rose-Marie! - Posted by: Linda Dyck (Niece but really older sister!) on: Mar 16, 2013

• I am so sad to see Rose-Marie's passing. I met her at Shoppers when I worked at KP. We got into some chatting & discovered we had some common ground. She was a Whitemouth gal and I went to school there! It gave us a bit more of a connection,being from the same place. She used to kibbutz with me in regards to ' menopause ' as she had a 'hot flash' during one of our lil' visits. I asked her, if she was ok and she replied: you just wait ...your turn is coming and you won't fit your pants anymore( as she grabbed her pants waistline. You'll see..so enjoy your skinny little body while it's still yours..hahahaha! It was funny and I've never forgotten that moment. I hadn't seen her for a while,as I moved away from Winnipeg. Boy,what I wouldn't do to have the updated 'menopause' chat with her. I needed to tell her: oooh Yeah- the hot flashes are awful but I never did gain weight! So please accept my condolences & luv'n hugs to your family. Just believe in Angels..and you'll see Rose-Marie! Take care Danielle - Posted by: Danielle Giesbrecht (Friend) on: Mar 16, 2013