Our dear Mom died peacefully in Victoria on January 27, 2017, at the age of 90. Predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Peter, she is survived by her loving family, daughters Monika Semmens (Ted) and Susan Ellis (Bruce) and son Peter (Kathryn); grandchildren Kristin Semmens (Derek Little), Jessica Larouche (Jeff), Rebecca Kalinger, Max Ellis, and her great-grandchildren Sophie and Sally Larouche and Annika and Turner Little.
Mom was strong, loving, compassionate and devoted to her family. She was born in a German village in Serbia. Her deep faith gave her the strength to overcome many challenges in her life: fleeing an invading army during the war, giving birth while living in a displaced person’s camp in Germany and then immigrating to Canada, where their third child was later born, with no English and just the clothes on their backs. Despite the hardships, she provided a loving home for her family while labouring tirelessly to help her husband build a successful roofing business in Ottawa. Her warm smile and cheerful disposition brought joy to every life she touched. Her kind-hearted and gentle nature will be deeply missed.
We thank the amazing staff at Kiwanis Pavilion for their kind and dedicated care of Mom and for making the pavilion a loving home. Mom especially enjoyed the musical entertainment at which she just had to get up and dance. Special thanks to Dr. John Jollymore.
A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 6, 2017 in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive with interment to follow at Royal Oak Burial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Oak Bay Kiwanis Pavilion Foundation, 3034 Cedar Hill Rd., Victoria, BC, V8T 3J3, would be appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Donald Shane
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Rocco and Grace Brundia Hello,
We are Rocco and Grace Brundia (Ottawa) and would like to offer our sincerest condolences for your Dear Mother.
Rocco and I purchased your Mother’s home in 2000. We have lived at 29 Seymour Avenue in Ottawa for 16 years now.
Condolences to her Family.
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Gerry and Mary Ellen It was with sadness that we read in the Ottawa Citizen this morning about Kathy’s passing. She was such a wonderful and giving person to have as a friend and neighbour during her many years in Ottawa. We have a lot of pleasant memories of Kathy and Peter while they were in Ottawa. Our deepest sympathies to Kathy’s family.
Gerry and Mary Ellen Laframboise
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Hermina Harris (Schlarb) Sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing, she was a part of our childhood and family. Always smiling, good-natured and kind. She will be missed. Thinking of you and your families at this difficult time, but know that somewhere my Mom and yours are arm in arm laughing and reminiscing about the old days. Sending hugs Hermina (Mina) and family.
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Maria Hackbarth Katharina was a very loving and caring person. She had to face many hardships in her life, but she had a strong faith in God to overcome these hardships. She was a very big help to my Mom, which was her aunt. We know that she is gone to be with the Lord our Savior.
My sympathies go out to Monica,Susan,and Peter.I was one of your Dad’s and Mom’s employees at Kalinger Roofing.I so loved to talk to your Mom when she was in the shop doing her cleaning and all the other things she used to do. She was so plain and easy to talk to and she doted on her three children.She was so meek and mild.I was at Peter’s wake and she seemed so lost, but at the same time so consoled.I will say a rosary for her and Peter and may God bless all you, And all your children and family.I remain yours truly. Donnie Shane.