Obituary of Rosa Weigelsberger

WEIGELSBERGER, Rosa (nee Biederleitner)

January 26, 1931 - Eferding, Austria

November 5, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

The story goes something like this:

A fortune teller visited Rosa’s house in Vienna, Austria. The year would have been around 1953 (apparently fortune tellers made house calls back then.) On a lark, Rosa decided to give it a try. The prediction was that she would travel a great distance across water and live a rich life somewhere far away from her current home. This struck Rosa as quite incredible, as she was newly married, had a young child, and already lived quite a rich life with her husband’s family in Vienna. But the coming years would bring great change.

By the late 1950s, Rosa found herself divorced, by her own decision, living with friends in Mannheim, Germany, and working at the American Army Commissary. This was where she would meet her future husband, Horst Weigelsberger. Rosa and Horst tried to build a life for themselves in Mannheim, but opportunities were limited. When they decided to find a new place to live in the city, one where they could raise a family, they found nothing at all suitable. Apartments were scarce, and home ownership seemed out of reach. Then came word from in-laws in Canada, “Why don’t you move here? Open spaces, empty houses, jobs, all just waiting for you! What are YOU waiting for?”

So, in the Spring of 1967, Rosa and Horst sold “everything,” packed up their toddler, Claudia, and anything else they could carry, and moved to Calgary. Rosa’s first daughter, Regina, remained in Austria with her dad, to finish school. Although Rosa felt sad, and somewhat regretful, she always said that, at the time, it was for the best. Rosa and Horst quickly built a new life in Canada. Horst started work immediately as a chef for The Gasthaus, and Rosa found part time work close to home at The Westgate. Their goal was to buy their own house, and they reached that goal in only a few years. By 1970, the family moved to Canyon Meadows, and there they stayed.

Rosa was a hard-working, practical, creative, and an intelligent woman. She took pride in her home. She and Horst always kept their property up to date and well maintained. Rosa had a green thumb… correction, she was ALL green thumbs. Everything grew for her. Friends would drop off dying house plants for her to resuscitate. Trees would just start growing in her yard – apparently from seeds carried in by the wind. Rosa loved nature. After retirement, she and Horst began every day with a walk in Fish Creek Park. Rosa would feed the birds simply by holding out her hand, where they would alight.

Rosa loved to travel; whether by land, sea, air, or through books by one of her favourite authors like Maugham, or Michener. She also loved to crochet. Her work was impeccable, and beautiful in its pattern and precision. After retirement, when she had more time, Rosa rediscovered all her Austrian recipes, and treated her family to amazing traditional meals and baking.

Rosa lived independently, in her own house, until her passing on November 5, 2021. She always joked that the fortune teller’s prediction had come true, except for the “rich” part; but she quickly added that she had, in fact, led a very rich, and long, life.

We will miss you, Oma. We’ll miss your stories, your conversation, and your cookies. And, no, we will NOT forget “the chicken soup.” We love you, Oma. Rest in peace.

Rosa Weigelsberger passed away surrounded by loved ones.

She is survived by her youngest daughter, Claudia (Phil), and most beloved granddaughter, Billie.

She is predeceased by all five of her siblings; her husband, Horst, and her eldest daughter, Regina.

A Celebration of Life in Rosa’s Garden is planned for next June, with details to come. In lieu of flowers or donations, we ask that you think of Rosa when you plant your garden this Spring. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

We would like to thank all of Rosa’s friends and neighbours. The companionship and support they gave over the years meant so much to Rosa and went so far toward allowing her to live independently. Many thanks to the Community Home Care, Palliative Care, and AgeCare SkyPointe staff that kept Rosa comfortable during her last hours. Thank you to McInnis & Holloway for taking care of Rosa after her passing.

In living memory of Rosa Weigelsberger, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.