It is with great sadness that the family of Rosina (Rosel) Benischke announces her passing on March 7th, 2020 at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital, with her family by her side.
Rosel was born in a German colony outside Pancevo, in the former Yugoslavia, on October 18th, 1935. At the age of 15, her family settled down in Freiburg, Germany where she remained until emigrating to Canada in 1960. Prior to moving to Canada, Rosel became a Registered Nurse despite having only 5 years of schooling.
In 1957, while Rosel was a student nurse, she caught the eye of one of her patients, Burkhard Benischke. As Burkhard had already booked passage on a ship to Canada, they enjoyed a brief (6 weeks) whirlwind romance. In 1960, Rosel joined Burkhard in Kitimat, BC, Canada and they were soon married. The couple had 2 sons in the years to come.
Rosel loved her family, friends, and the outdoors. An avid gardener, Rosel worked for the municipality of Kitimat as a gardener/landscaper and was very proud of her flower and vegetable gardens. After retirement, Rosel and Burkhard moved to Cranbrook, BC where she became very active in the BC Senior Games. Being very competitive, she earned many medals in javelin, shotput, and discus!
Rosel is survived by her husband of 59 years, Burkhard, sons Rudy and Helmut (Phyllis), and 3 grandchildren: Blair, Linnea, and Adam. Rosel was predeceased by her immediate family: Mother, Father, a sister and a brother.
A Celebration of Rosel's Life will take place at a later date.
Memorial Donations in Rosel's honor may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services.
Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com
McPherson Funeral Services