Obituary of Roswita Draesner

Roswita Draesner, 1929-2011, died at Joseph Brant Hospital on November 8th, 2011 of respiratory complications. The youngest child of Martha and Herman Witthoeft, born in Magdeburg, Germany she survived Allied bombings and the Russian occupation. A bold adventurer, she was the first of her family who came to Canada in 1951 - all but one of her siblings followed. She met and married Siegfried Paul Hermann Draesner in Calgary, Alberta. Dedicated mother of Corinne Annette and Andreas Martin Herman, grandmother of Monica Ann and Paul Gerrard. She lived for over a decade in Northern British Columbia in Fort St John and Taylor. She spent three beautiful years in Antigua, 1968-1971, followed by one year in Edmonton, and 8 years in St. Maarten 1972-1980. Roswita was a beautiful woman, often compared to Elizabeth Taylor. She was known for her big hats and form fitting dresses in St.Maarten. An ardent swimmer, she much preferred Caribbean waters to Canadian pools. She loved all animals, especially her miniatures poodles, Mignon, Gigi and Monsieur, and her cats, especially Maxi. A patient seamstress, knitter and crotchetier, she made many beautiful items for loved ones. She enjoyed reading, especially political intrigue and espionage novels. She is survived by loving son Andreas and daughter in law Malou Twynam, loving daughter Corinne, son in law Frankland Williams and grandchildren Monica and Paul Van Berlo. Good bye Beloved Roswita, now your journey's through, From Magdeburg Germany 1929, to 2011 in Waterloo Daughter, of Martha and Herman Witthoeft, Surviving life in War, Endured the allied bombings, Russian invasions, and more. We thank you for your bold adventuring, that lead to Calgary. Where you married Siegfried Draesner, so we might come to be. You bore your daughter Corinne Annette, and a son Andreas too. Through cold Fort St John Winters, raised children well did you. And taught them how to live, with such beauty, style and grace, Whether Canada, Antigua, or in a St. Maarten Caribbean place. Patient Seamstress, and knitter, you crocheted your yarn of life, And wove a beautiful tapestry, as Mother, Grandmother and Wife. Swim on in the tranquil blue; give your poodles our hello! And trust we think of you often, such fond memories we know. We wish you peace; you live on in our hearts, and memory until, We join you again in spirit; love you forever more, we will.