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Obituary of Kathe Adelheid Rossi
Obituary of Kathe Adelheid Rossi
Kathe was born in in Lahna Germany on July 13th, 1936, to parents Friedrich and Martha Lischewski. She grew up on a farm during the war era and was the second youngest of 7 sisters and 2 brothers. Although she shared many good memories of her time in the “old country”, she also faced many hardships. In hopes of a better life, Kathe immigrated to Canada at the age of 18 to join her older sister Waltraut who helped her transition and adjust to a new life in Cranbrook. Her other sister Ruth joined them a couple years later.
For many years, Kathe earned money cleaning hotels and office spaces. On her walk to work, she met her husband Rocco Rossi who was employed at the local foundry. He previously immigrated from Italy, and they married in November of 1956. Shortly after, they welcomed their only daughter Isabel.
During their 48 years together, Kathe and Rocco enjoyed travelling to Hawaii and tending to their many vegetable and flower gardens. Over time, they welcomed 3 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Kathe and Rocco believed in getting a good education and had strong aspirations for their grandchildren to attend post secondary. They worked very hard in their life to make that happen and their generosity will always be appreciated.
In her spare time, Kathe liked to knit, read, and play a competitive game of Yahtzee. She spent countless hours with Waltraut and Ruth playing Mensch argere Dich nicht and watching her favorite show Coronation Street. Kathe was also a great cook and made special dishes for her family that will be remembered for a lifetime. Christmas Eve will always be a memorable occasion that Kathe hosted where the tradition of her famous spaghetti and meatballs carries on to this day.
In her younger years, Kathe was an amazing grandmother to her 3 grandchildren Amy, Courtnay, and Carmen. She enjoyed having them for sleepovers where they had unlimited access to Oreos and the Price is Right. They have fond memories of spending time together making floral perfumes and crowns, racing paper boats down Joseph’s Creek, and dancing to La Bamba on the record player. Kathe had a sharp tongue, but despite being in Canada for over 65 years, she still managed to have an incredibly thick accent.
After Rocco’s passing in 2005, Kathe found companionship in her beloved dog Schwartzy. She lived independently for as long as she could and spent her last couple years in assisted living at Kootenay Street Village. The family would like to extend a huge thank you to all the staff for providing her with such supportive and compassionate care.
Kathe is pre-deceased by her husband, 8 siblings and great grand daughter.
At Kathe’s request, there will be no funeral service, but a small celebration of life instead. Please join us at 828 17 A St. S. on Saturday March 1st, 2025, between 3-5.
Oma, may you finally rest in peace.
mcphersonfh.com
