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It is with profound sadness that we unexpectedly have to say Tschüsse to our beloved mother, Oma, sister and friend. Elisabeth passed away peacefully on Sunday morning at the Kootenay Lake Hospital in Nelson, BC, after a brief illness. She was fierce in her final battle as she garnered enough time for her loved ones to reach out through technology from her beloved Germany to see her to say goodbye. Born in Stahlhoven, West Germany, she was raised by her parents Katharina and Richard with her five siblings. Surviving the war years, her experiences followed and influenced her throughout her life including the appreciation of the simple things as well as a work ethic and fierceness which served her well.
She was always proud of achieving her goal of becoming a Registered Nurse (with honours). No small sacrifice, she relinquished her career to become a wife and a mother and eventually immigrated to Canada with her husband, Walter Heimann, and their two eldest children. Twelve years later and now a family of five, they moved to Nelson, where they had built a family home. She created beautiful gardens, kept an immaculate household, and entertained family and friends in the German tradition. She managed the A&W for a number of years while simultaneously helping build the family business, Kootenay Elevator Services. She later married Kurt Wenzlawe and they built a beautiful life in Crawford Bay.
She was predeceased by her parents, her youngest brother, and Kurt and Walter. Elisabeth stated in her final days that her wish was for her soul to meet God. She is survived by her four siblings, her children Brigitte (Barry) Clayton of Vernon, BC, Ralf Heimann of Airdrie, AB, and Iris (Peter Steffler) and her grandchildren, Che and Aven Steffl er of Nelson, BC, as well as her stepchildren and an extensive family in Germany.
We wish to acknowledge with our deepest respect, the family and friends who supported Elisabeth in her final battle. Thank you to the healthcare professionals at Kootenay Lake Hospital for your expertise and compassion and genuine gratitude to Dr. Lee McKay for your professionalism and your dedication to your patient. Thank you not only to the caring staff at Mountain Lakes Senior Community but to each and every resident who contributed to Elisabeth’s life by being her community in her final years and during the challenging restrictions throughout the pandemic. Every one of your stories about mom have helped ease the pain of losing her so unexpectedly.
There is no service by request. Her ashes will be interred with those of her beloved Kurt. In lieu of flowers, please pay it forward in some small but meaningful act of kindness to another soul.
You are forever loved, respected and revered, Elisabeth. May you rest in peace. “Ruhe Sanft.”
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Elisabeth Wenzlawe September 4 2021
July 11 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Nelson, Province: Colombie britanique