Obituary of Rosina Zauner

Rosina passed peacefully at the Finnish Rest Home, at age 92.

Beloved wife of her late husband Viktor (1933 - 2017). Loving mother to her sons Michael (Michelle), Raffael (Angelika) and grandson Kevin with stepson Florian (Daniela) and great grandson Finley, Victor and granddaughter Tara (Triston) and great grandson Finley and grandson Brandon. Daughter-in-law and caring friend Tina and grandson Robin.

Our mother, Rosina was born in Budapest Hungary, as part of a German enclave that settled there generations before. During her childhood she witnessed and experienced the horrors of war and human suffering. From prisoners of war being marched past their homes and families, never to be seen again, to forced ethnic cleansing at gun point to her chest in the middle of winter, even though, she was able to warn a resistance fighter from being arrested.

As refugees in Germany, life was initially challenging but safe when she was taken in by her aunt/Tante. In her teenage years she enjoyed gymnastics and later dancing on weekends to live bands playing the music of her heritage. Her cousin Franzi, would sew our mom dresses for those occasions, where she turned heads with her dancing skills and style. When she started working our mom was able to memorize the information of thousands of employees with her photographic memory, which somehow didn’t quite work as well in her later years.

On her girlfriend’s wedding she met our father Viktor who was also a refugee from Sudetenland, then Czechoslovakia. Having no strong ties to Germany it was easy for them to immigrate to Canada in 1958, the land of milk and honey. Yes, to the house up on the hill with no running water, keeping the wood stoves going 24/7 and putting out chimney fires. But it was their own, they made it work and raised three boys, Michael, Raffael and Victor. We had moved back and forth a few times and finally committed to making Canada our home in 1972.

Our mother settled into a life of working with antiques and yard sales. She loved decorating and delighted in creating a beautiful home for her family, which came above all else. Her lush flowerpots revealed her green thumb and if an occasion required a bouquet, it had to be roses. In between she employed herself with cleaning and baby sitting for local teachers. Later she also took part in the family painting business of Malermeister Painting. Throughout her active life Rosina enjoyed preparing the most wonderful meals for friends and family and special occasions. Her command of the wooden spoon extended well beyond her culinary skills though, which the boys can confirm. Well known for her Spanish coffee, which had a natural limit of one. You could call her a temperamental Hungarian, which she wouldn’t deny, and the OPP could attest to by her driving with a heavy foot. Her quick wit saved her from many a speeding ticket.

She was part of a small German community out in Goulais which shared similar experiences. We thank

all those who continued contact with her, especially Gaby and Maria and family, and of course her wonderful hairdresser for 50 years, Diane. Special mention goes to her good neighbour and only contemporary, Hannelore. Of course, Rosina will be meeting up with her best friend Lois, who passed not so long ago. Rosina was a fierce fighter and insisted on living at home until the day of her 92nd birthday, after having refused the ambulance the day before. She was hospitalized for three months, and we’d like to thank the staff of wards A and C where she received excellent care. Subsequently, she was moved to the Finn Home, which has the most compassionate and caring staff, and our thanks and deep gratitude goes out to them as well.

Up until the very end Rosina was always appreciative and greeted all with a friendly smile and kind words, because that’s just who she was.

So, this is a brief and incomplete story of our mother, Rosina’s life, who could laugh like no other and surprise us with her sharp wit until her last days. Yet, its also part of a greater story of a generation which experienced suffering and enduring, overcoming and prospering and leaving behind a rich legacy for their children to build upon.

Rosina well be dearly missed by all she touched.

Keeping with Rosina’s wishes no service will be held and cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758).