MRS. ROSE MARIE GARDINER, beloved wife of the late Mr. Cam Gardiner, of Lethbridge passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at the age of 100 years.

Rose was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota, U.S.A. on November 5, 1908, the fifth child of ten, to George and Rose Shatz. A few months later the family moved to Bow Island, AB. She received her education in Bow Island using a horse and buggy or a sleigh in winter to travel 5 miles to the one room school house. When she was 17 she moved to Lethbridge to attend Garbutt’s Business College. She worked for Eaton’s for 20 years. In November 1935 she married Cam Gardiner and a year later her beloved son, Rodney, was born December 12, 1936.

In 1950 she left Eaton’s and started with Beauty Counselors and worked with them for 20 years. She was very successful and derived great happiness and satisfaction from her own business. She was a proud lady, loved to dress up and was well known for her hats which she wore with pride at every event possible. Rose was a talented bridge player and belonged to the Assumption Marathon Bridge Club for over 40 years. She was an honourary member of the Assumption C.W.L. with 72 years of service.

Her sister Martha, was her care giver and confident during the last years of her life. Martha was always there for her. Her life was full of hard work, lots of family and good friends. She grieved as she became a widow and lost her only son, yet, throughout she never lost her spark to live and to love those who surrounded her. She is survived by her daughter in law Marilyn Gardiner, two grandsons Scott and Brett, four grandchildren Mahea, Kai, Sara Rose and Claire Gardiner. Two sisters Martha O’Brien and Mary Ell and one brother Tony Shatz. Rose was predeceased by her loving husband Cam Gardiner in 1996, her special son Rodney in 2002 and her parents, 5 brothers and one sister.

Relatives and Friends are invited to Prayers at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 7:00 P.M. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 - 12th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Wednesday, September 30 at 10:30 A.M. with Reverend Tim Boyle, Celebrant. Interment to follow in the Mountain View Cemetery.

In memory of Rose, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 317-10th Street South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 2M7