October 15, 2023
In Loving Memory (1953-2023) ~
It is with profound sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved angel, Gabriele, who fought valiantly against a brain tumor, losing the battle on October 15, 2023, in Nanaimo, B.C. Gabriele was born in Espenschied, Germany and is predeceased by both parents (Alexander & Helga), brother (Dieter) and her beloved dog Emma.
She is survived by her sister, Waltraud, brothers Klaus and Alexander and numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews and many, many friends around the world. Among many vocations, Gabriele worked as an interpreter, was employed in hotel management, served in the Canadian Military and was an exceptional real estate entrepreneur.
Gabriele, inspired by her grandmother who was an opera singer, loved the opera and indeed, many other art forms. In April, some friends took her to Live at the Met, at a local Nanaimo movie theatre, to see "Champion".
She continued to be enthralled by the provocative storytelling and brilliant voices of newly created operas as well as the classics. A special 70th Opera themed Birthday Party was held for Gabriele on May 31st at Avenir Memory Care Home where she was surrounded by friends, family, cards, video calls, presents, flowers, good food, and yes, some selections of La Traviata, sung by a local opera singer!
Gabriele lived in Canada, for over 40 years, including the communities of Red Deer, Alberta and Moncton, New Brunswick until finally settling in Nanaimo, BC on beautiful Vancouver Island in November 2020. Gabriele felt she had arrived home, with a stunning view of Departure Bay and the near-by woods to walk her dog, Sasha.
As per Gabriele's generous heart, she asked that her body be donated to UBC's Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences.
A memorial and spreading of Gabriele's ashes, along with Emma's, will commence upon the end of her exceptional gift to our living world and once she is cremated (1 to 3 years).
Her Nanaimo friends (Ron, Darold, Lynda, Al and Cydney), friends Edith from Sri Lanka/Germany, Brenda from Atlanta, Georgia, Mary Ann from Calgary, Janice from Sydney, Australia and Koren from Red Deer and especially her beloved family in Germany, would like to thank Gabriele's neighbours on Elk Street and the staff at Nanaimo District General Hospital, Victoria Cancer Centre, Island Health and Nanaimo Home Care for the many months of care and monitoring previous to Gabriele's admittance into a care facility in January, 2023.
A special thank you, to Sarah, who adopted Sasha and to the many other supporters who helped along the way and especially to the exceptional care giving staff at Avenir Memory Care, in Nanaimo. We are all so grateful for the love, respect and generosity of authentic care, and yes, fun, that you brought to Gabriele's last nine months.
She was an exceptional human being and you all recognized that! THANK YOU!