ROSEMARIE MARTZ

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ROSEMARIE MARTZ

(nee GREN)

November 3, 1931 - August 21, 2026

Rosemarie passed peacefully to join her beloveds, husband Bernie; son Bob; mother Marie Gren; and sisters, Ferne Cracknell and Donna Dalton.

She is survived by her dear sisters, Patricia Hayes (San Ramon, CA) and Margaret Kirley (Winnipeg, MB).

Her family was a great pride and joy to her. Karen (Larry Leroux): Ryan (Missy), Mackenzie (Connor Mullowney), Lexi (Avery Thorsgard) and Bailey; Jeremy (Sherrisse), Khyla and Lucas; Trisha (Jeremy Babiak), Michael and Matthew; Bob (deceased) Colleen: Natalie (Evan Gilmore), Stella and Svea; Andrew (Sabine), Sophie, Isabel and Axel; Patrick (Karen), Gunnar, Tucker and Maia; Patsy (Brad Greer): Caroline (Chris Nowacki), Clarissa; and Brenda.

Mom was an intelligent woman, who strived for excellence and always spoke her mind. She had a wicked sense of humour and could be a force to be reckoned with on occasion. Mom devoted her life to her husband of 63 years and her children. She held a special place in her heart for Brenda, who required extra support and protection.

Rosemarie graduated as a registered nurse from the Winnipeg General Hospital School of Nursing in 1953. After a week of graduations, wedding and farewells, the young couple began their adventurous life. They spent a year in Trois-Rivières and Montreal, then settled in Kenora, closer to family and Bernie's employment at the Ontario/Minnesota paper mill. Rosemarie nursed part time at the local hospital when her children were of school age, and then later at Pinecrest Home for the Aged. A series of moves began in 1968 with a transfer to DeRidder, LA; 1971 Fort Frances ON; 1972 return to Kenora; 1975 Tacoma WA; and finally, retirement 1991 in Gig Harbor, WA.

Mom had many lifelong friendships beginning with her nursing class who gathered on important anniversaries and always kept in touch. And of course, her bridge club gals in Kenora and Tacoma (this one met for over 30 years).

Mom was a contributor to the Voice of Reason, Friends of Rainier, and the Rett Syndrome Foundation.

A Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 a.m., October 9, 2026, at Blessed Sacrament Church, Winnipeg, MB.

Life should not be a journey to the grave in a pretty and well preserved body,

but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up,

totally worn out, and loudly

proclaiming - wow, what a ride!

- Hunter S. Thompson

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 05, 2026