Hedda Thatcher, born October 15, 1942 in Vienna, Austria, passed away unexpectedly on December 28, 2010, in Victoria, BC, Canada. She is survived by her partner Tony Nicholson, former spouse David, her two sons Stephen (Carol) and Andreas, her granddaughter Alexandra, her sisters Annelies and Maja (Ewald) in Vienna, and numerous nephews and nieces. Hedda was a passionate teacher and mentor. Her love of languages and cultures, and her joy in promoting a greater understanding of them, formed a bridge that spanned five continents. Her loss will be felt by family, friends, and students around the world. Cremation and no funeral by request. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Mustard Seed (www.mustardseed.ca). There will be an informal reception to celebrate Hedda’s life at the University Club, University of Victoria, from 2 to 4 pm, Saturday January 22, 2011.
23 Responses
In loving memories of Hedda I vividly remember the precious moments I spent with Hedda. She was the most understanding person with a great heart. I will miss Hedda. With her demise nature has taken away one of the most precious person I knew.
I will always keep her alive in my memories. I pray for her eternal peace in her heavenly abode.
My sincere condolence for Tony, Hedda’s family in Canada and Vienna.
I am saddened to learn of Hedda’s passing. She was one of the first people I met when I arrived at UVic, and I thought it must be a good place to have someone so colourful and dynamic connected to it. My deepest condolences to all who knew and loved her.
It has taken a few days for this sad news to sink in and to consider what it was about Hedda that I will remember best.
She was the consummate professional. Students were expected to rise to her expectations rather than what she regarded as a more wishy-washy approach to learning. At the same time she knew her students as individuals. It seemed inevitable that each year one of her students would win the German Consular Prize.
It was a pleasure to know Hedda, as a colleague. She had a wonderfully acerbic,naughty sense of humour which she could pull-off with straight-faced innocence.
Our condolences to Tony, Stephen and Andreas.
Hedda’s passing brings great sadness to many who lived alongside her vibrant, sometimes brusque but always generous, personality. It was good to share her hospitality and to have known someone who lived life with such great passion. Condolences to all her nearest and dearest.
Sean and I are sorry to hear about Hedda’s passing. We are still in shock especially we are planning to visit her in the summer when we go to Canada. We will always miss her passion and laughter.
Dear Tony, we know words can not really help to ease the sadness you bear. Please bear in mind Hedda lives in our hearts and won’t be forgotten.
After getting acquainted many years ago as fellow U Vic English Department wives, Hedda and I reconnected 3 years ago, and became much closer, thanks to hers and Tony’s hospitality, and her many lunches with me downtown. She was unfailingly positive, and in her brisk, unsentimental, happy way, she helped me through early widowhood. Her determination to enjoy herself and follow her own way is now a comfort and continuing example. She died in her prime, loving life and what she chose to do. She will be greatly missed. My condolences to Tony and her sisters and Stephen and Andreas.
It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Hedda. She was a passionate and dedicated teacher at SMUS for many years.
Our sincere condolences go to Tony, her family in Canada and in Vienna.
Mary and Sydney Humphreys
I owe a lot to Hedda–when I first arrived in BC, and was a graduate student at UVic, she hired me to tutor ESL at SMUS. I ended up house-sitting for her when she went on one of many trips to Japan, and because of her, I was eventually hired on by the School.
A couple of years later, when the school residence was hit by arson, she gave me a place to stay, and I remember hot coffee with thick cream every morning. Hedda and I also shared many bottles of Retsina at San Remo’s Restaurant, and many great stories.
May she rest in peace.
With Respect,
Kathy Roth
Dear Stephen and Andreas, it was with great sadness that I read of your mother’s sudden and unexpected passing. As my German teacher for four years and a close family friend for many more, Hedda leaves many happy memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. In sorrow, Erik
Dear Anneliese, Stephen and Andreas,
I stumbled on the sad notice when surfing the Web to look for Hedda’s e-mail, so as to send her my good wishes. Alas, too late. We had somehow got out of contact lately, until I got her news a few months ago, so I was keen to learn how she was fearing.
Let me just say that I will always remeber her at her best, as a very dear and cheerful friend and companion. I share your sorrow over her departure.
Most sincerely, Werner