(Feb. 28, 1921 - Oct. 2, 2007)
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear Mutti, Charlotte Luise Quilman, widowed Rosendahl, nee Wargenau, born in Koenigsberg, East Prussia.
She remembered her home in Koenigsberg with a passion only a Prussian would understand. In 1940 she married a soldier, Alfred Rosendahl, and had three children: Udo, Juergen and Ursula.
In 1945, fleeing just before the Russian troops overran her home, she bundled up her three children and a few bits of clothing. She managed to reach Wesfalia where she hoped to be reunited with her husband. It was not to be. A widow at the tender age of 24 with three young children, she kept them safe and raised them alone in war-torn Germany, a testament to her lifelong strength and determination.
In 1956 she married a Canadian soldier, Edward Quilman and in 1961 a fourth child, Sabine, was born. They eventually settled in Chilliwack, her second beloved home.
In 1971 Edward was left partially disabled and unable to work. Again, her strength and determination kept her family and home together. For more than 20 years she and Edward successfully ran a boarding home for mentally challenged people until retiring in 1993.
She was predeceased by Edward in 2003 and leaves to mourn her two daughters, Sabine (Dave), Ursula (Gord); two sons in Germany: Udo and Juergen and their families, her dear friends and cousins Anneliese and Gerta in Germany.
A very special thank you to her friend Edith Mertz, she loved your Wednesday visits and Amy Matthes; we could not have managed the last six months without you.
Join us in celebration of a life well lived at her home on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007 at 2:00 p.m.
There’s a gift you cannot buy,
That’s very rare and true.
It’s the gift of a wonderful Mother,
Like the one we had in you.
The many things you did for us,
In your kind and thoughtful way.
You brought us so much happiness,
And none can take away.
We mourn for you in silence,
No eyes can see us weep.
But many a silent tear is shed
While others are asleep.
So those that still have a Mother,
Cherish her with care.
You’ll never know the heartache
Until the day that she’s not there.
May the winds of love blow softly
And whisper so you’ll hear.
We will always love and miss you
And wish that you were here.