Leokadia (Lottie) Rosner (nee Will) was born to parents Ludwig and Emilie Will, in Karolew, Poland on April 22, 1925 and went to meet her Lord on Oct. 26, 2006.
Lottie’s family moved to Zyrardow, Poland for four years where her father worked at a water mill. They then moved to a farm at Karolew, Poland.
Lottie worked hard on the farm and would also walk 13 kilometres to Mszczonow, Poland each week to sell butter and eggs, which were not sold by the dozen but by the egg.
Lottie was the first female in her village to put on a pair of pants. She thought if she did a man’s work she might as well be comfortable as she worked in the fields.
Lottie attended a small school in Karolew and completed Grade 8. Lottie could read and write Polish, Ukrainian, German, English, and understood Russian.
Lottie’s family farmed in the Karolew area until she was 16 years old when her family fled to Pargov, Poland. She lived there until 19 years of age working for a baron.
She worked in the fields, cleaning sugar beets and potatoes with a hoe.
She would also lead two horses pulling a potato hiller from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. each day. She had to work to support the family as her father was terminally ill.
In the spring of 1945 Lottie and her mother moved to Hademarschen, Germany where Lottie again worked for a large farm. She wanted to come to Canada and she came as a bride in January of 1948, her marriage having been arranged.
However, on the train trip from Halifax to Winnipeg she met a young man named Arnold Rosner and they were married on May 14, 1948 at Tolstoi, Manitoba.
Lottie and Arnold farmed in the Tolstoi area from 1948 to 1963. Lottie, during this time worked very hard alongside Arnold in the fields, with the dairy, also picking up and delivering cream to the creamery. There was never a job too difficult that she wouldn’t tackle. During this time they had two daughters, Edna and Lorraine.
In 1963 they sold their farm and moved to Williams Lake, B.C. as Arnold had family here.
Lottie very much enjoyed living in Williams Lake. In the early years she looked after many children until they were of school age. She was also very involved in church activities and when able, there wasn’t a meeting, retreat, or camp, that she would miss out on.
Lottie lived her faith. She was a great prayer warrior.
Lottie always said the Lord puts something on your heart and leaves it there until you do something about it and it gets done.
Lottie was also a great cook and baker. She made the most delicious apple pies. Everyone arriving at her door would immediately be offered something to eat. Her hospitality was wonderful.
Lottie had a wonderful sense of humour. She delighted in her family. She was so proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and they adored her. Lottie was the kindest and most loving wife and mother in the world.
Lottie passed away at Cariboo Memorial Hospital, Williams Lake, B.C. on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2006. Lottie has earned her reward and Heaven will be the sweeter for her being there.
Lottie is survived by her husband Arnold, daughter Edna (Art) Erickson, daughter Lorraine (Gary) Hubbell, grandchildren Dana (Les) Boersma, Aaron Erickson, Teesha (Darren) Stutzman, Cory Lonnqvist, great-grandchildren Kaylie and Logan Boersma.
The family would like to thank Dr. Glenn Fedor for taking such good care of Lottie for the last 25 years. She had such implicit trust in her doctor.
We would also like to thank the nurses who cared for Lottie, and the Home Support workers who came daily to look after her.
Funeral Services were held on Monday, Oct. 30, 2006 at Calvary Church, William’s Lake, with Pastor Wes Dynna officiating. Interment followed at the Williams Lake Cemetery.