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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Carla Odé
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Rita Hambley (Hoffmann) Sincere condolences to the Hrasky and Waberski families. May Petra rest in peace, and her memories stay with you all always.
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MaryLynn Hyndman 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
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Zwinz Family 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
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Suzie Vinden 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.
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Christine 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
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Deborah Dixon 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.
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The Waltons Sending our heartfelt condolences to Jersey, Mike, Christa, Tielo, Kielan and their families on the passing of Petra. We are so sorry for your loss. She will be truly missed at all our family get togethers. May the memories you have of Petra help you through this difficult time.
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Dr. Heather Cairns I had the great joy and honour of working in the OR with Petra. She was a great leader and poured her heart into her work. I am so saddened to hear of hear passing. Gone way too soon. I am unfortunately out of country so will miss her service. May her memory be a blessing.
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Marlene I am thankful for the opportunity to work for and with Petra for close to 16 years. She supported me to learn and experience all of the many things a career in surgery has to offer. Such a strong woman while being full of heart. Her support was provided not only at work but also outside of work through both joy and sorrow. Petra will be missed by many and never forgotten.
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OR Jenn I’m not quite sure how to find the right words for this, but I’ll simply begin.
How do you describe someone who changed the course of your life? How do you honor a person who was more than just a part of your journey—she was the reason you believed you could move forward at all?
Petra was the first person who truly saw me—not just who I was, but who I could become. She believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. She helped me grow from a young woman struggling with self-doubt into someone who could stand strong, take up space, and face the world with confidence.
She wasn’t just my boss—she was my mentor, my friend, and my role model. I looked up to her with deep respect and admiration, not just for what she accomplished, but for who she was: strong, kind, wise, and endlessly supportive.
Petra brought out the best in me. She pushed me to reach higher, dream bigger, and trust myself more. I carry so much of who I am today because of the time, care, and belief she poured into me.
I’m heartbroken to hear of her passing. The world feels dimmer without her light. But I am also deeply, endlessly grateful for the 15 years we shared—years filled with encouragement, support, and a bond that time will never erase.
Thank you, Petra. For everything.❤️
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Susan Paterson Petra was a very important part of our life when our son was not well.
We will always remember watching Petra and Jersey dancing up at storm at our house in Gordon Head.
Our condolences
Petra was one of a kind
Sending lots of love
Dave and Sue Paterson
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Lynn Huot My deepest condolences for the loss of Petra. I went to elementary school with Petra all through to Victoria high school.
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Cathy Whitehead I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Petra and send heartfelt condolences to all of her family. I have many happy memories of our days together at RJH School of Nursing and continuing friendship when our children were young. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time
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Sue I remember her well from Hope Lutheran days, a true beauty. Condolences to her family..
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Walt & Pam Levesque Sending our sincere love and condolences to Jersey, Mike, Christa, Tielo and Kielan. Petra filled a large part of our life for almost 20 years, we will always cherish how she and Jersey opened their home and heart to us. Pam and I will miss her so much, especially the numerous family gatherings, where we would catch up and reminisce about “all things life”. Life gets busy and you always think there will be more time ahead. Rest in peace dear fiend. Love, Walt & Pam (Levesque)
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Stacey Lund Dear The Hrasky family,
I am so sad to learn about the passing of Petra. My heart goes out to you all. May your cherished memories bring you comfort and strength. ~ Stacey Lund
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.