SHANK
Rosalind Juliana Shank (nee Benz) of Parkland Beach, Alberta passed away suddenly after a brief illness at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at the age of 80 years.
Rosalind was born the second youngest of 12 children on a farm in Aylesbury, Saskatchewan on April 19, 1931. Born to German immigrants, she grew up on a farm during the Depression. Instilled with a strong work ethic, Rosalind excelled academically. She was accepted into medical school, a path that led her to a degree in psychiatric medicine. While working as a registered psychiatric nurse, she met her best friend and the love of her life, Clarence Shank of Athabasca, at a dance in 1951. They eloped to Montreal and enjoyed 60 years of love, happiness and togetherness. Truly a trailblazer, Rosalind was working full time and driving at a time when most married women stayed home. A strong believer in the value of education, she continued to work and raise their first daughter while supporting Clarence as he completed two degrees at the University of Alberta. Married life took Rosalind to Edmonton, Regina, Ottawa, and Calgary, whereupon she dedicated her career to her family and excellence in home making. Retirement had Rosalind and Clarence settle at Parkland Beach and enjoy 23 years at the lake. Rosalind's beautiful and graceful demeanour, her sharp wit, her exceptional skills of empathy and intelligence, her support, encouragement and pride for all of us will be deeply missed. Mom, your abounding love has built a family of which we are all blessed and grateful to be a part of.
"And now these three things remain: Faith, Hope and Love.
But the greatest of these is Love."
1 Corinthians 13:13
Rosalind will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her beloved husband, Clarence; her daughters, Roxanne Shank (Murray Kammer) of Egbert, Ontario; Calla Shank-Hogue (Mike Magnus) of Halifax, Nova Scotia; and her son, Meritt (Shelley) Shank of Rimbey; as well as six grandchildren: Forrest Kammer, Rheiner Kammer, Skye Shank, Chad Shank, Jasper Hogue, Zoe Hogue; and one great grandson, Kaleb Shank. Two of Rosalind's sisters remain to grieve her loss, Mary Ackerman of Vernon, B.C.; and Loretta (George) Kress of Odessa, Saskatchewan; in addition to numerous nieces and nephews. Rosalind was predeceased by her son-in-law, Doug Hogue; her parents; and nine siblings.
A Public Service in Celebration of Rosalind's Life was held at the West Haven Cemetery, Rimbey on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. with the Reverend Father Gabriel Udeh officiating. A reception followed in the Fellowship Hall of St. Margaret's Catholic Church, Rimbey as per Rosalind's wishes. If friends desire, memorial tributes in Rosalind's Memory may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society ~ Red Deer Unit, 4730A Ross Street, Red Deer, Alberta T4N 1X2; the Heart and Stroke Foundation ~ Red Deer Office, #202, 5913 - 50 Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta T4N 4C4; the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre, Box 440, Rimbey, Alberta T0C 2J0; or to the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, Box 5030, Red Deer, Alberta T4N 6R2. Condolences to the Family may also be expressed by email to: special_reflections@telusplanet.net
The Family wishes to thank all Rosalind's well-wishers and especially her special niece and friend, Doreen Wolff of Olds, as well as the caring and dedicated staff of the Rimbey Hospital and the Red Deer Regional Hospital. Also greatly appreciated is the help and compassion of Reverend Father Gabriel Udeh, Vivian Coderre, and Laverne Oberhammer.
Service Arrangements for the Late Rosalind Juliana Shank (nee Benz) entrusted to the care of:
OBERHAMMER FUNERAL CHAPELS LTD.
Rimbey, AB. 403-843-4445