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Roswitha Ingrid Scharf-Dessureault
September 21, 1940 - October 29, 2026
Cemetery Wojcik's Funeral Chapel
Roswitha Scharf Dessureault
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Roswitha Scharf Dessureault.
Born Roswitha Fiedler in Köln, Germany, on September 21, 1940, Roswitha endured the hardships of a refugee camp after the war. In 1967, she immigrated to Canada with her then husband and their two children, Sonja and Volker. Her third child, Ilona, was born in Winnipeg.
Roswitha arrived with limited English, a strong work ethic, and an open heart. Through determination and vision, she built a life and a successful business in her beloved adopted city of Winnipeg. For more than 20 years, she owned The Tea Cozy, a much-loved Osborne Village restaurant that became a community fixture. Her dedication was recognized with nine consecutive Food Merit Awards—a distinction no other restaurant had achieved—as well as the Star of the City Award and the Women Business Owners’ 2000 Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award.
After selling The Tea Cozy, Roswitha continued to embrace new challenges. At age 66, she returned to school at Red River College and earned her Assistant Teacher Certificate in Early Childhood Education. For several years, she shared German language and culture with children at the South Winnipeg Kinderschule.
Roswitha loved to stay active, especially on her bicycle. She and her husband, Camille, rode with The Leisure Group, a seniors’ cycling club. At age 69, she completed her fifth consecutive Cycling for MS ride, travelling 185 kilometres from Stonewall to Gimli and back. She also gave generously of her time, volunteering at the Children’s Hospital Book Fair in St. Vital, serving as a Goldwing Ambassador for the Winnipeg Airports Authority, and helping with the German Canadian Congress Christmas Market.
In 2008, Roswitha self-published her memoir, Roswitha: Memories of a Life’s Journey, sharing the experiences and determination that shaped her life.
Roswitha and Camille celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary in 2026. She will be lovingly remembered by Camille; her children, Sonja Scharf, Volker Scharf, and Ilona Reece; and her grandchildren, Sebashtien and Aria Reece. Her family will remember not only all she accomplished, but also the love, strength, and warmth she brought to their lives. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
No Funeral is planned at this time.