HERTA MARIA THERESIA ROLOFF (FREY)

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HERTA MARIA THERESIA ROLOFF (nee FREY) November 21, 1924 - January 22, 2013 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Herta on January 22, 2013, age 88 years old. Mutti/Oma will be lovingly remembered by her family - sons Bodo (Anne Marie) and Thomas (Donna), grandchildren Heather (Steve), Brian (Carrie), Amber (Ryan), Crimson (Trevor), step-grandchildren Paul and Holly, her great-grandchildren Jessica, Logan, Segan, Cailynn, Carwyn and Alyra, along with many nieces and nephews in Germany. She was predeceased by her parents, three brothers and three sisters. She was also predeceased by her husband Werner in 1977, and her good friend and companion Colin Fitzjohn in 2011. Herta was born in Klein Dirschkeim, East Prussia, Germany. After horrendous war time experiences she found herself in Elmshorn, Germany, where she met her future husband, Werner. In 1953, Herta, her husband and infant son Bodo immigrated to Canada residing in Winnipeg. After the birth of her second son Thomas, and several years as a homemaker, Herta entered the work force to help the family make ends meet. She began working as a car hop at the local A W and then studied to be a nurse's assistant achieving that milestone in 1963. Herta worked as a ward clerk at the Rehabilitation Hospital until her retirement at age 65. It was at the Rehabilitation Hospital where she was affectionately nicknamed Mother by the staff. Herta's interests were varied and her zest for life was remarkable. She travelled to exotic locales such as Cuba, Mexico and Venezuela, and studied to become a qualified hypnotist. Herta took up golfing after retirement and was especially proud of her hole-in-one, achieved when she was 75 years old. Although golf was her passion, she also enjoyed gardening, bike riding, line dancing, badminton and her walk and weights classes. As well, she loved to set up holiday displays at the seniors' block where she resided. Herta found tremendous joy in her family. She often remarked on how small the family was when they arrived in Winnipeg and how it had grown over the years. Everyone enjoyed her quick wit and mischievous humour. She enjoyed her role as matriarch, presiding over holiday and family gatherings. In 2011 Herta suffered a stroke which, along with failing eyesight, greatly inhibited the active life style she enjoyed so much and resulted in her placement into personal care. Even there she had an impact among staff and residents with the music playing in her room, her famous red boots, extensive wardrobe and her great sense of humour. The family would like to thank the staff of St. Norbert Nursing Home for the special care and dignity shown Mutti, and to her friend Jennie for her visits and little extras. A celebration of Herta's life will take place on February 9, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. at Thomson In the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald St., Suite 200, Winnipeg, MB, R3L 0K6 or the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, 1080 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3G 3M3. We wuv you Oma THOMSON "IN THE PARK"925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 26, 2013