Obituary of Roseline P. Cornelsen

The following are excerpts from Rose’s autobiography. “I was born February 11, 1938 to Aganetha & John Warkentin in  McTavish, MB. I was the middle child of 11. We lived in Morris and Rosenort. I became a Christian at age 10 and was baptized May 24, 1953 at age 15 in Rosenort Evangelical Mennonite church in Rosenort.

I attended the Rosenort School and Greenbank School for high school. I worked as a clerk in the Family Supply Store, the Rosenort Coop and McLeod’s in Morris. Art Cornelsen began coming into the store and we started to get to know one another. This is where our love story began. We were married May 1, 1960 and REMC. We attended Steinbach Bible College     together. I assisted Art as a farmer’s wife and was a stay at home mom, living on the farm yard where we had three children. Cameron, Lynette and Arlene.

I enjoyed cooking, baking and gardening. I mostly worked alongside Art in his endeavors.

Art was always active and made life exciting. Art’s zest for life often inspired me to do things I wouldn’t have dared otherwise. I am so grateful for the gift of a strong, loving husband to share my life with. We did lots of travelling all over Canada, U.S., Mexico, and Europe. Art would have travelled more but my health didn’t allow for it. Our hobbies included camping,    golfing, visiting friends and playing games.

I got breast cancer in 1982 and underwent surgery. Daughter Lynette battled a brain tumor a few years later. Janet passed away suddenly and Lynette then passed six months later. We also lived through hailstorms and a tornado. Through that traumatic time I was very much aware of God’s help, strengthening me when I couldn’t go on.  The family went through a very difficult time. I was amazed at the peace that carried us. I was caring for one year old Curtis and we developed a deep bond which was a     blessing. The family’s faith grew as they leaned on God for strength to overcome this time.  I had many invitations to speak and share my testimony about this experience, which gave me great joy and healing.  I got breast cancer again in 2002 and was healthy once again after treatment.

I developed an interest in oil painting,  reading, and writing. I authored and published a couple of books. I was on church committee’s and helped as a Sunday School teacher, Ladies Fellowship President, and as a deacon. I really enjoyed spending time with my aging mother and caring for her. We lived near one another.

For early retirement, Art and I spent our winters in Sebring, Florida. We made many close, special friends from volunteering at SIM  mission.”

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Art & Rose moved off the farm and into town. They lived in several houses which Art built. They recently downsized to a new condo. They were very much in love and Art called Rose his “Sweetheart”. They did  everything together. Family was very important to Rose and loved to have reasons to celebrate and she made gatherings extra special. Rose was a gentle, loving, person with witty humor and had the gift of       hospitality. She was a creative, organized, gifted lady. She liked to crochet blankets as gifts. She always had her famous cinnamon buns and apple pies ready for company. Nothing meant more to her then her faith in God and her family. She was happy to care for Art with his         Parkinson’s health issues.

When Rose was diagnosed with an aggressive lung cancer, the family was deeply saddened, but rejoiced in knowing that we were gifted with her life being    cancer free for 16 years. She loved and cared for people. She did not want to burden anyone when she was not feeling well, not even the staff as a patient in the hospital. She did her best to brighten the staff’s day at the hospital. Rose was looking forward to her final move to Heaven and to reunite with loved ones. 

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Roseline Plett Warkentin Cornelsen died at age 81, peacefully at Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Steinbach MB.  She will  be missed by her beloved husband, Art Cornelsen and their two children, Cameron (Pamela), Arlene (Nelson); grandchildren: Curtis (Jennifer), Craig (Laura), Brock (Elena), Braden (Josie); Zachary (Breanna), Bradley; great-grandchildren: Elizabeth, Robert; Eli. Rose was predeceased by her parents John and Aganetha Warkentin, a daughter Lynette, daughter-in-law Janet, and several in-laws.

We are grateful for family and friends and their dedicated support, prayers, and encouragement.

We are grateful to the   Bethesda Regional Hospital staff for their wonderful care and services.  

The Family

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Life with Mom & Grandma

Gardens, flowers, and country roads;

Fields of wheat with rows and rows.

Enjoying sunny days and going for a walk; Tossing stones in the river and having a talk.

Family trips to Grand Forks, Disney World, and BC; travels, weddings and grandkids added to memories.

Can’t forget the   laughing until we cry;

And grandma’s buns and apple pie.

Yes you can bake, are a painter, reader and writer;

You are caring, an over comer and cancer fighter.

Like a river flowing, life has its twists and turns;

But gratefully strength from you mom, we have learned.

We have been so BLESSED, but it’s now time for you to rest.

Our hearts flow with love,

And we will see you later in heaven above.

By, daughter Arlene

With much love,

The Children & Grandchildren

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The funeral service for Roseline will be held Thursday, September 12, 2:00pm at the Rosenort Fellowship Chapel.

Viewing will be held Wednesday, September 11, 7:00pm at the Heritage Manor (14 Spruce Crescent, Rosenort, MB) with a devotional and time of sharing at 7:30pm.

A private family burial will take place prior to the funeral at the Rosenort EMC Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Roseline may be made to Serving in Mission (10 Huntingdale Blvd., Scarborough, ON, M1W 2S5).