Rosa Mae Martinson

She was the youngest of ten children, born on June 15, 1939, in Gilbert Plains, Manitoba, to the late Clark and Clara DeWitt. At age 19, Rosa married Ralph Martinson, and together they shared many decades of life, raising a family and building a lifetime of memories. Rosa was a full-time homemaker and mother from the mid-1960s until the early 1980s, when she returned to the workforce as a pay clerk with Parks Canada, later rising to the role of Chief Financial Officer within her finance department.

Rosa will be dearly missed by her two children, Brent Martinson and Tara Martinson; her three adored grandchildren, Stephen, Scott, and Elise; and her amazing little super-dog, Zoe.

Rosa loved to tell jokes, dance, laugh, and socialize, fondly referring to her love of good wine as the “days of wine and Rosa.” Her favorite sport was catch-and-release shopping, which earned her the nickname “Return Rosa” during her working years. As a mother, she loved to create and innovate—desserts were always abundant, and for many years she delighted in sewing her own creations for the home, her children, and even the family cat and dog.

In retirement, Rosa enjoyed part-time work, continuing education courses, golfing, traveling, and especially being a grandmother. Even as her health declined this past year, she remained remarkable in her energy—bright, expressive (no need to sugarcoat it…LOL), and impossible to ignore. Rosa brought the conversations…eventually, in the jokes we will always remember 😬😂.

Rosa loved to take care of everyone, and that included her plants. Under her gentle care, they flourished, just as the many lives she touched did. As she wished, Rosa will be cremated and will rest among the plants and flowers she so dearly loved. The nurturing energy she shared so freely lives on in all who knew her. God now holds her soul and is taking great care of this wonderful spirit.

To honor the memories of all those she met, Rosa’s Celebration of Life will be held at Alloy Restaurant, 220 42 Ave SE, Calgary, Alberta on Saturday, January 31, from 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Please come with nothing but fun stories, laughter, jokes, and high energy as we gather to celebrate a truly vibrant life.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP the family via: [email protected]

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Rosa's name, please donate to the Alberta Council of Women's Shelters.