February 1, 1928 – January 20, 2013
“Hetty” was a remarkable lady, inspiring all who knew her with her imagination, inventiveness, exceptional leadership and unceasing pursuit of history and languages. She came with her parents to Canada from the Czech Republic in 1939, settling in Tomslake, BC. She taught in a nearby rural school until marrying Ed and starting a family in Dawson Creek, where they lived until moving to Victoria in 1975. Over the years, she was active in many clubs and societies, including the Catholic Women’s League, arts councils and theatre groups, and she volunteered at the Royal BC Museum and Craigdarroch Castle, each for 20 years. Hetty also served as President of the Victoria Edelweiss Club and its Harmony Choir for many of her 35 years’ membership.
She will forever be remembered as a kind and loving mother and wife. Her greatest joys were in the sharing of our achievements, …..and poetry. Left to mourn her passing are her husband, Edward; daughters, Irene, Margaret, Sylvia, Lorraine and Carol; sons, Wilf and Frank and families.
A reception celebrating Hetty’s life will be held at the Victoria Edelweiss Club, 108 Niagara Street on Tuesday, January 29 at 4:00 pm. Expressions of sympathy may be made through donations to the ALS Society (www.alsbc.ca/donate). Condolences may be offered to the family below.
…there is no greater love than a Mother’s Love….
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Bobbie Fox
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Hermine Goergner Koch Dear Edward and Family
The news of Jetti’s passing was a terrible shock to me as I was out of the country. My deepest and heartfelt sympathy and I am so sorry that I could not attend the funeral.
Cousin Hermine.
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Janet Davies As a fellow docent at Craigdarroch Castle, I have fond memories of Hetty (as I knew her). We were both on the Friday afternoon shift and sometimes I met her walking up Oak Bay Avenue and we continued on together. I offer my sincere condolences to the family.
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Eric Apperley I remember your Mother from the few times I visited your home to ask Sylvia out. I fondly remember her kindness and know that she worked hard in bringing up the family.
Whilst this is a hard time for all of you I hope that you can celebrate her achievements and cherish the love that she obviously shared with all of you.
God bless,
Eric Apperley
Christchurch, NZ
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Renate DeBruyn Please accept my sincere condolences. I was very sad to learn of the passing of Jetti, she was a lovely lady with a lovely smile.
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Laura Lester Hetty brought sunshine to the lives of everyone that knew her and she was always very kind to me. I will miss her very much, but I take comfort in the knowledge that she no longer suffers.
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Louise Potvin Dear Silvia, Moe, Lorraine and families. I’m not sure just what to say but I was sorry to read of your Grandmother passing.
My mom will be 99 in February and is in a nursing home and most unhappy about it. It is a difficult time for everyone and I hope that your Grandmother was happy where she was living.
I hope all is well with you and your families.
Louise (Clarke, Hall ) Potvin
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Dennis & sandi Armitage Our thoughts are with you all as you suffer the loss of one so dear. Take care of each other and enjoy the fond memories of the building of your wonderful family
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Monika and Horst von Selz Dear Ed, Carol and family ,
we are so sorry to hear about your loss. Jetti ( as she was known in our Choir ) was a pillar of strenghts. She was a great organizer , very friendly but firm. There was hardly anything she could not tackle.Her judgement of people was amazing and there was no word she could not translate into another language – was it in German or English. Every Thursday , in the choir loft at the German club , we look at Jettis chair and it is empty. We miss her smile, her beautiful thoughtful explanations of the songs we sang and most of all JETTI , our alto , the person that guided the choir through ” ebb and tides “. So sorry about your loss Monika&Horst
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joan smith I would like to say how sorry I am to hear Hetty has passed away,I worked with her at the castle for 10 years and I can say she was so enjoyable to work with & I loved her stories about her early years,she also was so talented,with all what she did.You have lost a beautiful person & I am glad I had 10 years of working with her.
Joan Smith
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Walter Schoen We were saddened to hear of Henrietta’a passing. She was such a pleasant, positive person. We remember joyfully our few visits with the Tosczaks in Victoria.
Sincerely,
Ellen and Walter
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Wanda(Carlson)Huzel I am so sorry for your loss. A mom is such a blessing and when you loose her there is a big empty hole that can never be filled. Remember her in love and joy and thankfulness that she was such a wonderful part of your life.
Wanda
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andrea hofmeyr Dear Ed, Carol and family,
just wanting to let you know that my thoughts are with you at this time. Hetty was truly a remarkable and inspiring person and showed so much courage in this past year. I feel truly privileged to have met her. Take care of yourselves at this difficult time, Andrea
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Terri and Peter Dear Tosczak Family:
Our many prayers and good thoughts to your whole family
Hold on tightly to each other always! We are so blessed to have met
Hetty and will always remember her most generous heart.Peter & Terri
I knew Hetty through my time at Craigdarroch. She was always such a joy and pleasure to work with. My heart and prayers go out to Frank and the rest of the family during this difficult time.