It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Petra Gertrud Hrasky, who passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Thursday May 22, 2025, at the Royal Jubilee Hospital.
Predeceased by her father Guenther in 2003 and her mother Erika in 2022 she is survived by her husband of 45 years, Jaroslav (Jersey), sons Tielo (Chantal) and Kielan (Brianna); brother Michael (Susan); and her sister Christa (Robert). She will be deeply missed by her five grandchildren – Avery, Hudson, Attley, Hayden and Rayna – as well as by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends in Canada, Germany and Austria.
Petra was born and raised in Victoria, where she completed her education from Oaklands Elementary through Lansdowne Junior High and Victoria High School, eventually pursuing nursing training at Begbie Hall at Royal Jubilee Hospital. Upon graduation in 1977, working in the operating room became her passion and after numerous distance courses from Athabasca and the University of Victoria, she received her BSc in Nursing in 2003. Shortly thereafter, she successfully applied for the Operating Room Manager’s position, completing her full circle in nursing. Her endless energy towards the job, her loyalty to colleagues both doctors and nurses was only surpassed by her love for her treasured grandchildren. They were the highlights of her life! Petra had long learned to sidestep the ‘Winter Blues’ by escaping to sunnier shores – Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean were her favourite getaways. She cherished the times visiting family and friends in Germany and Austria.
After many years at the helm of the Royal Jubilee Hospital operating room, Petra retired January 2015. Adjusting to retirement and finding meaningful ways to fill the time proved challenging. Even learning to relax felt like hard work. Through it all, family and others’ needs were always a priority. Oma’s home was a cherished haven for the grandchildren, always stocked with treasured treats and beloved snacks.
Petra will be remembered as a devoted and selfless wife, mother, Oma, sister, and friend – hardworking, kind, and deeply respected; she always placed the needs of others before her own.
Many thanks to all the wonderful doctors who attended to Petra’s medical needs, the nurses, caregivers, palliative care doctors and social workers at Royal Jubilee Hospital 5th floor SE for their comforting care and assistance through this difficult time.
Love you to the moon and back.
Celebration of Petra’s life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Petra’s name to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation to support surgical training.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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17 Responses
It filled me with great sadness that I was unfortunately unable to attend the Celebration of Life for Petra. She was an exceptional OR manager and it was a pleasure working with her. Many many accolades have been bestowed on her but what I will remember most is that she always had your back.
Sincere condolences to the Hrasky and Waberski families. May Petra rest in peace, and her memories stay with you all always.
Dear Petra,
I feel your caring, enthusiasm, common sense and stability is completely lost in what we used to call “nursing”.
We who worked with and for you felt we had honour which you inspired.
There is no replacement for what you gave us. An incredibly honourable woman.
With my prayers to your family
MaryLynn Hyndman
The news of Petra’s death came as a complete surprise. We send you strength from Austria in these difficult times. Petra’s sense of humor and her loving and caring nature will never be forgotten. Sincere condolences from Austria, Stefan, Abelina, Alexander, Maximilian, and Juliane Zwinz
I am saddened that so many people have lost such an incredible caring and strong role model.
Petra was always so supportive to me in my early days as an Operating Room Manager and I will always be proud to have had that guidance.
She was strong and inspiring
I often would say “I need to be more like Petra “
The world has need benefited in so many ways from her presence.
The Hrasky and Waberski families,
We are sending loving condolences to you all for the loss of Petie, who was such lovely, caring person. She was a giver and so hospitable! If you visited her home, you had to eat or drink something. She wanted everyone to feel welcome and taken care of.
The loss to her family is immense and we are holding you all in our hearts.
Love from Christine, David, Matthew and Nicole
Petra is one of the last of the breed of us ‘older OR nurses’. She was my manger at The Jubillee for many years. She was a fabulous manager, kind and fair. She told you ‘just like it is’. I’m so happy that I got to work with
Petra. I’m also happy that she got to retire and do things she enjoyed.