It is with great sadness and a sense of loss, that we announce the passing of Johanna Held (geb Stöcklin) on March 23, 2025. She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years Hermann; her daughter Christine (Jim); her sister, Elisabeth Szojka; her long-time close friends Ruth & Rennie, Doris & Saad and Joyce. She will be missed by her overseas family: Grete with Astrid & Gernot; Hemma, Sepp & Lisi and Lisbeth; as well as friends in both Switzerland and Canada.
Born in Basel, she immigrated to Canada in 1966 where she continued to work as a nurse. She met Hermann in English class and they married in 1969 closely followed by the birth of their daughter, Christine. After retiring in 1999 Johanna and Hermann happily spent the next 20 years crisscrossing and exploring Canada in their camper.
A heartfelt thank you to Dr. L Prinsloo (& Tanya) for their unwavering support and advice; Myles (”Cape Scott”) and Erika from IH; as well as all the staff at SPH, especially Sub-Acute & PCU.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 2:00 pm, in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive. Please RSVP by Monday April 21st, 2025, by emailing JohannaBaslerin@gmail.com
In lieu of flowers, please “pay it forward” by assisting a person who could use a helping hand, whether by deed or donation, as Johanna did over the years.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Held” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Rob and Barb Cameron
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Rolf Warburton I am sorry to hear that Tante Johanna is gone. I will always have fond memories of her warm and loving care and attention throughout my childhood. I will remember the special twinkle in her eyes and the chuckle in her voice when I hadn’t seen her in a while. And I will smile.
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Megan Cappell I am very sad to hear of the passing of my dear long time friend Johnna. We met a long time ago in the old VGH when we worked on 2X. Johanna & Herman stopped in to see me when they were crossing Canada in their camper. Johanna was the best at remembering birthday’s and sending very special gifts. For years she always send me BC Salmon for my birthday. Johnna had a way of always getting the perfect gift, be it a joke and just for fun or a sincere heart warming gift. I recall for my fortieth birthday one of her joke gifts was a needle threader. At the time I thought ‘I don’t need this’, well I’ve used it many, many times.
Rest in Peace my dear friend. You will never be forgotten. Heart felt condolences to Hernan, Christina and all the family.
Megan Cappell-Sweet
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Liz und Hansruedi Simmler Wir haben von Tochter Christine erfahren, dass Johanna gestorben ist. Wir wohnten im gleichen Haus wie die Eltern von Johanna und Liz. Bei einem Besuch von Johanna und Hermann in Basel, lernten wir sie persönlich kennen. 1988 besuchten wir Helds in Victoria. Wir verbrachten eine tolle Zeit mit ihnen. Sie besuchten uns auch einige Male. Johanna wird uns immer in bester Erinnerung bleiben.
Die Basler Freunde Liz und Hansruedi
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Darlene Burnell I was saddened to hear of Johanna’s (Joan to me) passing. I met Joan in the hospital on nursing floor, where we both nursed. Joan insisted I learn play Jass Swiss Card Game, and many years later I am still playing it. I made many new friends because of Joan’s reaching out to me.
Rest in peace, Johanna.
Sincerely Darlene.
We were so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing, Christine and Jim. We can’t attend her celebration of life, but you will be in our thoughts and prayers.