Obituary of Rosalie Cloppert

CLOPPERT ~ Rosalie Cloppert passed away at the Dr. Cooke Extended Care Centre, Lloydminster, Alberta on Sunday, February 22, 2015 at the age of 81 years. Rosalie leaves to mourn her passing: three children: Beth (Roger) Skolrood, Jim (Patti) Cloppert and Laura (Bob) Butt; six grandchildren: Jordi, Jessie, Becky (Teghan), Jamie, Rachel and Sarah; two siblings: Robert (Carol) Patmore and Helen (George) Morlidge as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Rosalie was predeceased by her husband, Jack Cloppert in 1984; as well as her parents, one grandson and one great-grandson. The Funeral Service for Rosalie was conducted from the First Baptist Church, Lloydminster, Saskatchewan on Friday, February 27, 2015 at 1:30 P.M. with Doug Baynton officiating. George Morlidge Jr. gave the eulogy. The hymns sung were "It Is Well With My Soul" and "All The Way My Savior Leads Me" accompanied by Marlyss Crockett. Adriana Villarreal performed "Because He Lives" and Miyuka Horibe performed "Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring." The honorary pallbearers were all of Rosalie's friends. The active pallbearers were Ken Allen, Loren Cox, Syd Cox, Murray Hozack, Sheldon Franklin and Travis Younghans. Interment was held in the Lloydminster City Cemetery, Lloydminster, Saskatchewan. Donations in memory of Rosalie may be made to the Northern Canada Evangelical Mission (NCEM), The Gideon's or Lloyd Regional Foundation Comfort Fund-Dr. Cooke. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements. Card of Thanks Rosalie's family would like to send thanks to all who sent cards, flowers and donations and for the support at this time. Eulogy The first part was written by Rosalie's brother, Robert Patmore who lives in Vernon, BC and isn't able to be with us today: The psalmist stood at the crest of a knoll, and surveyed the rolling hills around him. The lush greens of the meadows, the quiet splash of the stream, the hollows and shadows, as one hill merged with the next in the distance, made a lasting impression. A simple path weaved its way through the landscape, partially visible from the top of the knoll, the rest unseen. His heart spoke differently of what he saw, within, his spirit contemplated a journey with God. We see Rosalie, looking to the future, contemplating this scene. Rosalie was born early on the morning of June 18, 1933, in Lloydminster Hospital. It was a bright sunny day and the birds were singing at our home near Greenstreet. As time went on, it became obvious that Rosalie had problems with her feet and legs. She was late walking, but started school at Albion, going along with her brother and sister in a one-horse cart, a distance of three miles. When she started school, Mom made her two new dresses, yellow with flower buds on it. During the winter of 1945, when Rosalie was twelve, Dad took Rosalie by train, to the Shriner's Children's Hospital in Winnipeg, where some surgery was done on her legs. In her later country school years she rode horseback to school every day. She finished at the rural school, and attended high school in Lloydminster, boarding with a family of friends. Following high school she attended a commercial secretarial course, working at Hall's store in the office for some time and after that, at Universal Industries, also in the office. Rosalie married John Frederick Cloppert in 1958, here at the first Baptist Church, but, of course in the old building, where they first met. They resided on his farm near Streamstown, Alberta. Jack and Rosalie were involved in the work of the church, in Fort Chipewyan for some time, later returning to the farm. At this time, they attended the Baptist Church and were involved in many activities of the church. Jack and Rosalie had three children: Beth, Jim and Laura. Rosalie enjoyed life, and was always cheerful. She played the piano, did puzzles, enjoyed cooking, sewing and other handicrafts. She managed a garden as well as her housework and had many good friends. Jack passed away in 1984, and Rosalie lived in an apartment in Lloydminster for some time, before moving to Points West Living and later to the Dr. Cooke Nursing Home. The tide recedes, but leaves behind, Bright seashells on the sand. The sun goes down, but gentle warmth Still lingers on the land. The music stops. And yet it lingers on, In sweet refrains... For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains. From Bob Patmore, Vernon, BC Beth, Jim and Laura put together the next part: To us, Mum was a strong, supportive, loving and nurturing mother. She always had time for us and enjoyed playing with us and teaching us what we needed to know. She read to us lots, helped us with school work and taught us to cook at a young age. She was a strong and fair disciplinarian and we knew that if we ran away from her we would be in big trouble when Dad got home. She generally just needed to tell us once and we knew what we needed to do. Mum learned to drive just before Beth so she could drive with us and teach us and we could go places when Dad was busy. Mum would sometimes tell people, "God has blessed me beyond what I had expected. I had hopes of having a job, an apartment of my own and a cat. God has given me a husband, three children, a whole farm full of animals and several cats...and all my children can run." Rosalie and Jack loved visiting friends and relatives and spent many evenings, Sunday afternoons and weekends travelling near and far to visit. They modelled a lifestyle of care for others that we've learned to value more as the years pass. My name is Randy Patmore, I am the son of Rosalie's only brother, Robert James Patmore of Vernon, BC who is 87 years old and unable to face the prospect of temperatures below freezing so could not join us today. My aunt Rosalie has been my cheerleader for many years. She has celebrated my victories and supported me in challenging times in both my career and personal life. As a member of the management team of a non-profit society providing transportation for seniors and persons with disabilities in Calgary with 150 drivers and 120 buses, Aunt Rosalie gave me pointers that I used in training drivers with practical tips for users of the service (be on time, be nice, be patient, close the doors quickly in winter and open the windows in summer!) In my view, while we are tempted to mourn this loss today, we can also celebrate a life well lived. Despite incredible challenges this life was lived with strength, hope, humour and humility. We might think that heroes carry fire power and display rippling muscles but some heroes walk with canes or sit in wheel chairs. Many years ago in Edmonton where I was serving in a law enforcement role, Aunt Rosalie was fighting with grave health concerns in the hospital; they called one night at about 02:30 to say that I should probably come. I sat by her bed and we talked at great length and she told me what she was sure would happen when she passed through the veil to the other side. The party she predicted is now underway with many who have preceded her in attendance. I can almost feel the joy. At that time, I simply mentioned that it would be a pity for her to miss out on those grandchildren and shortly thereafter she sat up in bed, stiffened her back (and resolve) and made a full recovery. That kind of strength needs to be studied or maybe not for we know from whence it came. On a personal level, my name is Randy and I am a recovering addict; by the grace of God and with the support of people who love and care for me I have remained free from active addiction since April 1987. One of my major supporters from then and before has been Aunt Rosalie who walked this road with me this past 28+ years providing strength, hope and encouragement. I will miss the phone calls in which I was challenged to review and adjust my belief system promoting personal and spiritual growth delivered with love, care and kindness. You are missed but we celebrate a life well lived. You lived, loved and laughed. Well done! Randy