October 14, 1938
August 23, 2025
Mom was born to Lillian Tarnava on October 14, 1938. Mom came to Canada at age seven, aboard the RMS Mauretania from England in 1946. Mom, her mother, Lillian Tarnava, her brother, Lyn Tarnava, and her sister, Sylvia Friedericks, started the trek across Canada from Halifax to join her father, Matthew Tarnava, in Lethbridge.
Mom was a student of Garbutt Business College and went to work in the community. While she was working, she caught the eye of a young farmer from Taber, Donald Toth. They were married September 17, 1955. Mom moved out to the farm and began her education as a farmer’s wife. She received much guidance from her in-laws, Miklos and Marcella Toth, though the language barrier proved to be the greatest challenge. In time, she learned enough Hungarian to manage daily and understood what was expected of her. Mom and Dad went on to have six children: Jolayne (John deceased) Hain, Margaret (Mike) Fitzsimonds, Robert (Joanne) Toth, David Toth, Nick (Carol) Toth, Cathy (Darren Bodnar) Toth. Mom and dad were blessed with 15 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Mom had a special relationship and influence on her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s lives.
Mom was predeceased by her husband, her parents, her mother and father-in-law, and sister-in-law Jolayne Toth. Mom as also predeceased by many dear friends whom she missed.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of Mom’s caregivers, nurses, doctors, and friends at St. Therese Villa, Alberta Rose Lodge, and Family Medical Clinic for the care they have provided. We are going to miss you, Mom; say hi to Dad.
A Visitation will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M.
A Funeral Service will be held at SOUTHMINSTER UNITED CHURCH, 1011 - 4 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. with Reverend Ruth Preston Schilk officiating. The Funeral Service will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Rose’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Rose will be laid to rest in a private Family Graveside Service in the Taber Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.
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