Micheline Gravel sent us the sad news that Canadian button artist Rose Marie Margaret Diem, died in 2023. Micheline suggested we post the whole obituary as it is both beautiful and meaningful to the button world. The following quote will make button collectors smile. "Rose Marie was extremely artistic and had a myriad of creative skills. She was an accomplished seamstress, skilled at Brazilian embroidery – even developed and sold her embroidery patterns, and later studied the art of enameling and jewelry making. If it was complicated and intricate, she loved making it!"
Below is a card with three of her enamel buttons.
Obituary
Rose Marie Margaret Diem, age 81, of Duarte, California passed away on Monday, April 17, 2023.
Rose Marie Margaret Diem, age 81, died peacefully at home on April 17, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by family, friends and all those whose lives she touched.
Born on October 31, 1941, to George Goddard Diem and Marie Klara Robinson (nee Eeger) in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. After high school Rose Marie went to secretarial school and then later left for the Royal Canadian Airforce, where she served as a meteorologist from 1960 to 1963. Upon completing her service, she was given a familial nudge to go see the big world out there. With this encouragement Rose Marie set her sights on moving to Guatemala by way of San Diego. However, she quickly discovered the language barrier might be an issue and extended her time in California. After a short stay in San Diego, Rose Marie hopped the bus to Los Angeles, and never left.
Once in Los Angeles Rose Marie forged a career in commercial real estate and construction. It was in this field she met William Mackel, who was both her professional partner and more importantly her partner in life. They had a deep and enduring love for one another, along with incredibly complimentary skills that enabled them to thrive both personally and professionally. They were married more than 37 years, and during that time built a business, traveled the world, shared a passion for food and wine and supported each other in their individual interests.
Rose Marie was extremely artistic and had a myriad of creative skills. She was an accomplished seamstress, skilled at Brazilian embroidery – even developed and sold her embroidery patterns, and later studied the art of enameling and jewelry making. If it was complicated and intricate, she loved making it!
Rose Marie lived in a simple and understated manner, quietly helping people around her without seeking acknowledgement for her generosity. She loved a good joke, called you a “stinker” with affection and liked to eat frozen peppermint patties.
Rose Marie was preceded in death by her loving husband, William “Billy” Mackel, and is survived by her older brother, Richard (Sharon) Diem and her younger sister, Isabelle Robinson, both of Canada. Additionally, she was stepmother to Paul (Michelle) Mackel, Katherine (Gregory) Horn and Jennifer (Steven) Lande.
While we mourn the loss of a remarkable soul, let us celebrate a life well-lived and carry forward her legacy of pragmatism, generosity, and integrity that she so beautifully exemplified. A mass will be held in Rose Marie’s honor in the chapel at Santa Teresita (819 Buena Vista St., Duarte, CA 91010) on Friday, June 30, 2023, at 11:30am. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Santa Teresita (https://bit.ly/inmemoryofrosemarie). Donation checks may be payable to Santa Teresita with “In loving memory of Rose Marie Diem” on the memo line.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/west-covina-cremation for the Diem family.
