Obituary
Born in Matrei i. Osttirol, Austria on April 18, 1924
Died in Calgary, Alberta on Thursday, July 15, 2021
Beloved Mother (Mutti), Grandmother (Oma), and friend to many passed away peacefully with her son at her side. She leaves behind her son Andrew, and grandkids Trevor and Lauren, along with her stepdaughter Heidi Schwelch in Austria. She was predeceased by her husband John in 1999. In Austria, she leaves behind her sister Annelise Golznig, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Louise grew up in Matrei and Feldkirchen i. Kärnten during the 1930‘s and the Second World War. She married John on her birthday in 1949 and emigrated to Canada with John and very young son, in tow, in August 1956. They settled in Calgary and developed lifelong friends not only in the German-speaking community but also amongst many Calgarians.
In early 1972, the family settled in Burnaby where she again was a fixture in the German Catholic Church. She yodeled to her heart’s content. She excelled as a school bus driver and was tough with rowdy kids. She also continued to support the household and her husband’s jewelry business. Louise was the consummate host and her schnitzel dinners were legendary, as was her rumtopf. She would take a day to prepare, cook and bake for up to 15 people, not only in Burnaby but also in Calgary. People left full of food, drink, and plenty of stories and history lessons. Along with her strong informed opinions, one always knew where Louise stood on issues. She never forgot a birthday and knew birthdays of all in her circle, and of famous or infamous people and dates of significant events. Even with her great memory, she was legendary in forgetting where she put purses, keys, and important documents, but never money. She took pride in her appearance even if it meant being late for church or appointments, and was very proud of wearing jewelry made by her husband. Many occasions were also an opportunity to display her footwear. Her collection gave Imelda Marcus a run for her money.
In 2003 she moved back to Calgary to be with her son and grandkids. Her strong will and desire to bring back her family from a personal tragedy will be her fondest memory and crowning achievement. Once back in Calgary she reconnected with old friends and the German Catholic Church. She was a mainstay at the Oktoberfest at the Austrian Club, while she could. In the last several years dementia set in vigorously, however her will to live, even surviving Covid, continued. The family would like to acknowledge all her caregivers, especially at McKenzie Towne Continuing Care Centre.
Prayers will be at St. Boniface Catholic Church (1923 Broadview Rd NW) on Monday, July 19 @ 7:00 pm with the Funeral Mass, at St. Boniface on Tuesday, July 20 @ 11:00 am with a reception to follow in the church basement.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society of Calgary would be appreciated.
She was THE best Mutti and Oma ever.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Aloisia Louise Maria Hofbauer April 18 1924 July 15 2021 (age 97)..
Décès pour la Ville: Calgary, Province: Alberta