In her 99th year, Inga Andersen passed away peacefully on August 10, 2020. Inga was born October 16, 1921 in Torrild, Denmark. She was the only girl amongst 4 boys (all pre-deceased – Peter, tiny newborn brother Hans Christian – lived only 5 days, Hans, & Knud).
Pre-deceased by her beloved husband Knud in 1992, she was also predeceased by her parents Axel & Hansine Røjgaard. Inga grew up in this small town in Jylland (Jutland) not that far from the larger town of Aalborg, loving sports, handball and gymnastics.
When playing Handball back in 1945 a few months after the end of WWII she met her beloved Knud. Inga attended Klesrgaard Cooking School (boarding there also) for 3 months in 1939 before WWII started.
Bæunehøj beach hotel located on the island of Sjælland (or Zealand in English) between Roskilde and Copenhagen was where Inga worked in 1946 making the smørrebrød while Knud was in the army. She then worked at the Hotel Prinse in Roskilde, next the Centrale Hotel in Herning and afterwards came home to prepare for marriage.
They were married April 30, 1948 and moved to Hedensted where Knud had a painting business for 3 years. Their first child, Lisbeth Andersen was born in Denmark.
They left for Canada in September 1951, with $150 between them, some lovely Royal Copenhagen china, sterling silverware, no job, could only speak 3 English words, no accommodation, and knowing no one. Talk about a leap of faith. Knud and Inga arrived in Victoria and within a few days had a place to stay, an old black jalopy and a painting job.
The remaining 5 children were born in Victoria: Ann Cooper (Keith), Axel Andersen (Deborah), Greta Witter (Ian), Karen Swanson (Larry) and John Andersen (Susannah).
Inga’s LOVES. She loved gymnastics. She loved folk dancing. She loved homemaking. She loved cooking. She absolutely adored her father, Axel. She was in love with Knud her whole life since she met him. She loved her children to the utmost. She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren dearly. She loved her sons- and daughters-in-law. She loved her Lord Jesus and was over the moon with joy when she gave her heart to Him and learned of His deeper ways. She loved flowers. She loved her friends and was faithful and loyal to them all. She loved to entertain at home and there was the smell of yummy baking most days wafting throughout the house. She was honorary “grandmother” to quite a few also.
She leaves her six children, 8 Grandchildren – Zoe-Anne John, Natasha Gaulin (Terry) Angela Andersen, Sharlene Amerl, Rachel Witter, Sheena Witter (Darrel), Crystal Andersen and John Michael Andersen. She also leaves Great Grandchildren – Leah, Brittany, Lucas, Colten, Sarah and Stephen. In addition, she leaves numerous nephews and nieces in Denmark and Norway, together with their families.
Her family were incredibly blessed to have her as their Mother/Grandmother/Great Grandmother/Mother-in-law for all these years. They are delighted for her that she is well and happy at last, rejoicing with Jesus and dancing with her own Knud.
“She is missed”
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
17 Responses
sorry to learn about you beloved mother Anne and Keith Cooper
she was a kind heart and surely she will be remembered for her smile
her life was full of joy and happy times with the family she raised in BC
our fondest wishes to you all during this period of challenge
God Bless your fine Family everyone
thank you very much for loving
patagonia Chile south pole
What a lovely tribute to wonderful lady What great memories you all will hold .crystal it was so nice to read about all the lovely memories as you told. Hold her close to your hearts you all are in my prayers jeannette
Dear Ann, Keith and family!
Sending you heartfelt condolences at this time, what a beautiful service for your dear Mum, I watched it here from Ontario. I loved hearing you and Inga’s granddaughter share, as well as my Dad, and it was also special to hear you both singing Keith’s Rainbow song! Fun to get a glimpse of Greta at the end…happy memories of our cabins at Cowichan, how my Mum loved it there too. Love to all, hugs from Lise and Lane
My sincere condolences to Inga Andersen’s family. She was one of the strongest women I have ever had the great privilege of knowing, loving and admiring. She was instrumental in introducing me to a side of spirituality I had not known and provided a sacred loving family space for us all.
I believe Inga is now with Knudt and God resting in peace.
When I saw her in hospital I didn’t recognize her – she was the MOST beautiful woman I ever saw AND at the age of 98!
She looked SO peaceful, so beautiful, SO ready to leave her earthly body behind.
Goodbye dear Inga. May God rest your precious soul.
What a lovely contribute on her life. my prayers are with you all Wonderful memories to hold on too
There are some people who come into our lives and leave a positive mark that remains with us. Inga was one of those people in my life. I was blessed to be part of a Bible study in Inga’s home, or she not only shared her wisdom what’s served the most delicious dessert and tea!!
She always had such an assurance of her faith and the fact this is not our eternal home here on Earth.
Further blessings came when I was privileged to be caregiver to Inga for a Time. She was as confident in her beliefs that’s the first time I met her. I will treasure the book she gave me and the memories.
My heart will miss her but she has longed to be with the Lord for some time. She is truly at Peace now.
Sincere condolences are extended to her family.
Thank you pal Inga for the beautiful memories and friendship.
Pal Trish
What a lovely tribute to a woman who was deeply loved & cherished by her family. I offer my deepest & most heartfelt condolences to the entire family. May your faith & memories help you through this difficult time.
I met Inga while we were both in the hospital for for an extended stay! As a roommate you could not ask for anyone kinder, more caring and sensitive to others! I grew to love Inga and Anne.as good friends and will miss her dearly and I know she is looking down smiling her beautiful smile spreading joy and happiness amoungst is all! God Bless! Kim
My deepest sympathy to the family. So wonderful to see all the lovely stories and memories. May you hold these close to your heart and I hope they help you through this difficult time.
Anne Marie Wass
Former hospital roommate
What a wonderful woman! I was blessed to meet her at church, Mow her lawn for years, and spend countless afternoons chatting with her. Her hugs were long and heartfelt. I will miss her dearly. Praying for the family in this difficult time but praising the Lord that she is at peace with Him.