Grete passed away peacefully, just before her 92nd birthday. Predeceased by her parents August and Lydia Hennig, and by her husband Arno. She is survived by her two daughters Rita (Catherine), Ingrid (Nancy) her brother Willi and nephew Karlheinz. Grete was born in Lodz, Poland, to German parents.
During WW II, both her father and brother were conscripted into the German army, and when the Russian army invaded Poland, Grete’s mother was imprisoned in a forced labour camp. Left alone, the seventeen-year-old Grete managed to escape from Poland to safety in Germany, and made her way to the home of an unknown relative. It was 1949 before she was reunited with both her parents. In 1951 Grete’s brother emigrated to Canada, and Grete and her parents followed in 1953, settling in Regina. It was there that she met her future husband, Arno Attrot (also from Germany) at a dance hall. They were married in 1957, and moved to Victoria in 1963. Having completed business studies, Grete worked in the commercial field until the birth of her daughters.
An outgoing and sociable person, she enjoyed welcoming people into her home, and ensuring they had plenty to eat! She was a dedicated and generous mother, friend and neighbour, with her strong Christian faith being at the heart of who she was and all that she did. As the years went on, she seemed to have an ever-increasing capacity to share her bright and loving spirit with those around her, and her love, warmth and continued enjoyment of life serve as a wonderful example of how to live.
The family would like to thank Karen Johnson-Lefsrud and the whole amazing team at Luther Court for making Grete’s last six months such happy ones, and also Joan Henderson and the caregivers from Beacon Service/VIHA who gave wonderful care to Grete while she was still in her home. Due to the present Covid virus situation, services will be private.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccalgardens.com
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Vicki Fitzpatrick
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Gwenyth Dobie Dearest Ingrid,
Please know that we are thinking of you during this time of loss. You are always in our hearts, with many wonderful memories of joy, music and love.
Hopefully your family is able to gather to share and honour YOUR memories of the joy, music and love of your mother.
Sincere best wishes,
Gwenyth and William
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Tim Hegedus Dear Rita and Ingrid – I am sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was a great person with a vibrant Christian faith. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Tim Hegedus
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Pamela Pederson Dear Rita and Ingrid,
We send you heartfelt sympathy, remembering with much fondness your Mom’s amazing smile and kind heart.
Love from Pam Hegedus Pederson and Barry Pederson.
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Sue Price Ingrid, I’m so very sorry to hear of your Mum’s passing. This was a lovely tribute to woman who sounds as though she made the best of her life after a very difficult beginning. My thoughts are with you at this very difficult time.
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Christopher Charlton Ingrid, Rita and family,
Sending you big, big love on the passing of your dear mother, I’m sure she will be greatly missed. My wish for you is to allow yourselves to heal on whatever level you need it, and for however long it takes. Be kind and loving to yourself, my dears.
Love and sincere condolences,
Kelly xo
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Anna-Marie Andersen August 22, 2020
I was sad to see this today but what a life she lived. We lived next to Greta for 5 years. My son Damian who was very young at the time would visit her for milk and cookies. He loved her. Some of the best conversations were had over our fence. Best neighbor and she was everything said in this tribute and more. The world is less kind with her gone.
I am so sorry Ingrid, Rita and family. We missed your mom after we moved and when we would run into her we just picked up where we left off.
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Deena Clark Rita & Ingrid,
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing, she was definitely a very special lady. Just last night we had the cucumber salad she always made and I never eat it without thinking of her.
We will be praying for you both and thinking of you during this difficult time. Would love to have a visit or chat with you sometime.
Deena & Tom and family
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Lois I Friesen Always a big smile. Grete was a warm sincere Christian lady. She will be missed
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Willi & Karl Hennig We very much miss your positive attitude, laughter, and smile!
Dear Rita and Ingrid,
My mom and I were so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. I have such fond memories of both your mom and dad when I use to visit your home when we attended Doncaster together. They both made me feel so welcomed! My mom remembers the lovely talks with your mother as she stopped on her walks past my old house on Camrose.