Obituary of Tina Rempel

Peacefully, with family by her side, Tina Rempel (nee Schellenberg), our beloved mother, Oma, auntie, sister and friend passed away on Tuesday, December 28, 2021.

She will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her daughters Cindi Rempel Patrick, grandchildren Braydyn (Kayla), Shayli (JM) and Saige; Cora Rempel Langlois, husband Leonard and granddaughter Brooklyn; 4 sisters: Mary, Eva, Helen and Susan(Ron); one brother-in-law Peter Blatz and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Jake on Dec. 2, 1983, her parents, 4 brothers, 3 sisters and her dear son-in-law Brian Patrick, recently, on Dec. 2, 2021.

Tina married Jake H. Rempel on August 2, 1958, and moved to Steinbach in 1960 where they raised their family. Her artistic talents emerged early as she loved to cross stitch, crochet, decoupage, paint and sew. From working at 5¢ to a Dollar Store, to Tave’s Florist, her passion for floral design grew and she launched Teena’s Flowers in her basement.  Her business grew rapidly into a very successful independent location in downtown Steinbach.  She was an extraordinary designer, and her customer service was second to none. Many times you would leave her store with a complimentary rose.

 ‘The Flower Lady’ – to this day that was mom’s identity and she felt very proud when people stopped to tell her she arranged their wedding flowers; or when she met business owners thanking her again for making the most festive arrangements for their employees each Christmas.   Her customers, from across the country, Winnipeg and in the southeast, were extremely loyal, and became dear friends along the way. She would attribute her business’ success of nearly 30 years to the loyalty of her amazing employees, specifically Deb Rempel and Sophie Lipinski.

Tina loved to travel. Jake and her enjoyed many hot vacations including Bahamas, Acapulco, and Hawaii. Family expeditions would include trips to Florida, Western Canada and California as the Pasadena Rose Bowl parades featuring hundreds of floats created only by flowers, were a highlight for Tina.  She loved participating in her FTD and Interflora conventions held worldwide spanning from Holland, to Russia, and the US. 

Tina never missed a chance to watch her grandchildren in their sports tournaments trekking off to Maine, Wisconsin, Minnesota and all parts of Canada.  In her later years, she never passed up the opportunity to go with friends and family to enjoy Casino experiences, even if it meant a long road trip. And…she hit the jackpot many times!

‘A zest for life’ held true meaning with Tina involved in church committees, as a founding member of the Steinbach Lioness Club and active in the Steinbach Curling Club.   Tina was a proud member of her ‘Birthday Group’,  a dozen ladies who gathered monthly to celebrate birthday teas, for over 40 years.  

Her heart was filled by her family and her extraordinary hospitality was the hub of countless family and friend gatherings where her laughter was contagious and appreciated.   She was known as ‘Oma’ by extended friends of her children and grandchildren and always welcomed them as one of her own.  She really was ‘everybody’s Oma’. Her generosity, ambition and feisty character to ‘get it done, and do it well’ is her legacy she leaves with her children and grandchildren.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to her Homecare workers, and the medical staff at the Bethesda Hospital, her caring angels here on earth.  Mom really loved the care and love they provided.

Once again, our families have been embraced with the love, support, thoughts and prayers of our entire community, near and far. For everyone who took time to visit or call mom, bring food, flowers and gifts, please know that your friendship meant the world to her. She remembered every gesture.  And for the calls, food, flowers and visits to our family recently, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sharing Mom’s journey with us, healing and grieving as one. Tina loved this community and this community loved Tina.  She also loved Psalm 23.

A private memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan.1 at 11 am at the Grace Mennonite Church, officiated by Pastor Mel Letkeman.  To join the family via livestream, please go to the YouTube website and search for the Grace Mennonite Steinbach channel, beginning at 10:45 am.  Special thanks to Rick Kotaska and the funeral arrangements by Interlake Cremation and Memorial Services.  www.interlakecremation.ca