We Remember

SCHLIEF, Rose-Marie

October 4, 1942 — March 12, 2025

Rose-Marie Schlief, who was always so full of life and who loved adventure, went to be with the Lord at the age of 82, on the morning of March 12, 2025.

Rosie leaves her daughter Regina (Eric) and grandchildren Stacy, Tristan, & Jesse; her son Frank (Pam) and grandchildren Ernest (Brettnee), Timothy, Christopher, and Michael; her son Horst (Susan) and granddaughter Selah; Peter (Janice) and grandchildren Matthew, Jim, Joshua (Brigitte), & David; her daughter Angela (Rob) and grandchildren Justin & Kyle; and her son Oliver (Thea) and grandchildren Tahlia & Logan; as well as multiple great-grandchildren all of whom she was so proud of and grateful to have had in her life along with many wonderful extended family members and friends. She also leaves behind her sisters Helga and Gisela (Wolfgang). She was predeceased by her beloved husband Horst and her brother-in-law Siegfried.

Rose was the youngest of 5 children born in Magdeburg, East Germany, to the late Kurt & Elise Kresse. She was also predeceased by her 2 brothers, Gunter and Kurtie, both of whom passed away as children.  In 1958, Rosie and her sister Helga met a couple of young fellas; brothers Horst and Siegfried.  Siegfried asked Helga on a date, and as it turned out, Rosie was sweet on Horst.  Double dates followed, and so did lifelong marriages.

Rosie & Horst wed in 1960 and Helga & Siegfried not long after. Rosie & Horst had their first 4 of 6 children.  Horst loved the outdoors and fishing was one of his very favourite things to do, so naturally when his brothers spoke of Canada – this is where he was drawn to go; Rosie, up for anything – especially adventure – agreed.

In 1969, They sold everything they had, and with their four children (and the fifth on the way) they immigrated to Canada with dreams of a better life.  Helga and family travelled with them.  Horst’s older brothers Fritz and Gunter had already made the journey.  Once in Canada, the two families went their separate ways.  Rosie & Horst originally came to Grande-Prairie, Alberta, where Horst worked for his oldest brother Fritz on his homestead. In 1970, Rosie & Horst travelled south with the family, heading for warmer weather and took up permanent roots in Kelowna, BC, a population of about twenty thousand at the time.  Rosie gave birth to child number six.  Kelowna became home, they made many lifelong friends and reconnected with Helga & Siegfried and Gunter’s family too.

Rosie’s life was filled with love, laughter, and a deep sense of adventure. She was the glue that held the family together, making sure everyone stayed connected, no matter how busy life got. She organized many family get-togethers, ensuring holidays, birthdays, and every excuse to celebrate was filled with warmth, good food, and laughter. You could call her anytime, and she was always up for anything – whether it was a quick coffee, a drive through the countryside, a spur-of-the-moment adventure, or if you needed help pulling weeds in the garden – she was there. She was a terrific mother and grandmother!

Rosie (like Horst) had a deep love for the outdoors. In the summers, she would gather up the grandchildren and head to the beach, where they would play while she “baked” in the sun. Fishing trips were a regular event, with Rosie and Horst always bringing one grandchild along, as their little fishing boat only had room for one extra. Those special trips created lasting memories – early mornings on the water, fishing lines cast out as the mist rose from the lake, and stories shared around the campfire at night. And, when the seasons changed, Rosie traded her swimsuit for ski gear. She loved cross-country skiing in the winter, gliding through the snow with the same enthusiasm she brought to everything else.

Cooking and baking were among her greatest joys, and her kitchen was a place where love and tradition blended perfectly. Her Christmas cookies were a family favourite, carefully crafted and eagerly awaited every holiday season. And, when it came to cakes and Torten, Rosie was unmatched – her Black Forest Cake and Bienenstich (Bee Sting Cake) were legendary. Family birthdays, anniversaries, and any special occasion were made sweeter by her homemade treats, each one made with love and a little dash of Rosie magic.

A love for music and dancing never faded for Rosie. She could Polka, waltz, and ballroom dance with grace and joy, often encouraging everyone to get up and join her. Whether it was a lively dance at a family celebration or simply tapping her feet to music in the kitchen, Rosie’s love for life shone through every step. And her voice, whether singing along to her favourite hymns or humming a tune while baking, was a constant presence, filling her home with warmth.

Travel was another passion of Rosie’s. She and Horst explored much of Europe, often returning to Germany to visit family and relive cherished memories. Her sense of adventure never dulled, and she loved experiencing new places and cultures.

As Rosie’s health declined, she was surrounded by the same love and care she had always given to others. A special thank-you goes to Leigh for her unwavering love and support over the years, helping us keep Mom at home for as long as possible. We are also deeply grateful to the wonderful care team at the Village of Smith Creek, where Mom spent the last 11 months of her journey with Alzheimer’s. Their kindness and compassion made all the difference. A heartfelt thank you as well to the Chaplain who read scriptures to Mom in her final moments and brought comfort to our family afterward.

We will all miss her, she is gone too soon – but now, she is reunited with Horst, dancing and singing in heaven.

​In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer Society of Canada.

A Graveside Service, will be held on THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM (PDT), at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery: 1991 Bernard Ave, Kelowna, BC.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.

Service
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM (PDT)

Location
Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery

Share with Others:

Share on Facebook
Share Via Email

Send Condolences
Send Flowers, Sympathy Card or Comfort Meal
Alzheimer Society of Canada Link: alzheimer.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for SCHLIEF, Rose-Marie is scheduled for THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM (PDT). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery

1991 Bernard Ave, Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • sara bews says:
    March 19, 2025 at 7:16 pm

    I’m so sorry the families loss, she was a lovely lady. She is now at rest with her beloved Horst. Sending love during this difficult time.

    Reply
  • Dana Howe says:
    March 21, 2025 at 5:39 am

    Dear Peter & Janice & the rest of the Schlief Families,
    We are so sorry that you had to say, “goodbye for now” to Rosie. We remember your parents with great fondness. Their kind, smiling faces welcoming us to church each week. What a reunion it must have been for them in heaven when your Mom arrived! Your family will all be in our thoughts and prayers now and in the days to come. Dana and Doug Howe

    Reply

Leave a Condolence Message for the Family


» To share your condolence on this page please fill out the requested fields.
» If you have a photo to share, please do so as families appreciate it. To share a photo (please note, just one photo per condolence please), click the 'Choose File' button and select a photo from your computer.
» Once you are done, click the 'Share' button.
» Your email is never published or shared. Your name and email are both required.

NOTE: all messages will go through an administrative process before being posted.

Testimonials

They took care of me like family.

Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke

I liked the personal treatment given to my mother who is 97 years old. As her representative, I found Springfield employees pleasant and sincere, helpful and knowledgeable. Something I didn’t know, was that the funeral home would help me get through the paperwork need at this time. I am very thankful for that.

Janice Cornell

Genuine concern, excellent service, very professional. Since this was my first experience (with a funeral home), everything was above and beyond what I expected.

Randy Hatanaka

Thank you to your team for your kindness to me at a very challenging time.  You have now taken care of both of my parents with professionalism and care.

Nancy Farran

Springfield Funeral Home is always professional, caring and very knowledgeable.  We appreciate that you have dedicated staff for all needs from planning the service to completing government paperwork.

Timothy Morio Tahara

I am not sure there was anything you could have done to make a very intense emotional time less stressful.  Although we hadn’t expected Ken to want a service, when he said we needed to have one for us not him, it was true.  Your sincerity and compassion meant everything to us.  Thank you.

Gwen Harvie

David Henseleit, your compassion and professionalism is truly amazing!  The entire staff were courteous, super professional and caring as each guest arrived.  Everything was done to perfection!

Myra Neuman

Keep up the good work that you do as it is such an important service you provide.  It is still the most difficult time in a person’s life.  Your kindness is so appreciated.  We appreciated the peace of mind that everything was being looked after.

Gloria Couture

You provide a wonderful service for people going through a traumatic time.  Thank You.  The kindness and professionalism shown by the staff at Springfield Funeral Home was exemplary.

 

Kim McCaveney