In memory of

Gisela Schwalbe

April 28, 1932 -  January 12, 2025

Gisela Schwalbe

April 28, 1932 - January 12, 2025

Born in Hannover, Germany, to parents Berta and Heinrich Hoppe.

She came to Canada in 1952 where she met the love of her life Erhard (predeceased).
Lovingly remembered by her children Barbara (Eric) Lepp and Krista (Geoff) Gunton.
She adored her grandchildren Corinna, Jonathan (Erika), Kyle (Jordan), Kevin (Christina) and great-grandchildren Amelia and Adelaide. Remembered by her step-grandchildren Jason (Nina), Audrey, Henrik and Julie (Jeff) Joshua and Tyler.

Remembered by her family in Germany. Predeceased by her brother Robert, sister-in-law Annegret, and brother-in-law Harry. Survived by her brother Friedel and sisters-in-law Renate and Anneliese and many nieces and nephews.

Gisela will be missed by Bryan and Alan, who became an integral part of her family. Predeceased by Blanche Hewitt who became her Canadian family.

To say Gisela was feisty and brave is an understatement. She arrived in Canada alone, with a few dollars, and without speaking English.

Gisela and Erhard built a wonderful life together. They lived in many parts of the world including the Dominican Republic and South Africa. They were adventurous, embracing their environments. Their greatest joy was building the family cottage, a place where friends and family gathered sharing a love of the outdoors. Gisela loved her flowers. She enjoyed a good game of croquet or a ruthless game of canasta (you wanted to be her partner). Known as ‘the walker’ she loved her walks around Swan Lake. She loved her time in Florida walking and talking (and talking) to people and their dogs.

Gisela was famous for her goulash and all her grandchildren loved her pancakes.
Gisela believed in honesty and hard work. She loved to laugh and be helpful. She could make grumpy people smile.

In her final days, she told us not to cry. Although she did not reach her goal of ‘100’ she had a great life, and she loved us all.

A special thank you to Woodhaven LTC in Markham for providing compassion and dignity.

Funeral
Wednesday January 22, 2025
11:30 a.m.
Followed immediately by internment
York Cemetery
Toronto

Guestbook 

(5 of 5)


Bryan Blenkin and Alan Rowe (Good friends)

Entered January 20, 2025 from Toronto

A wonderful friendship of 65 years. We will miss you Oma,

Love Alan and Bryan

Heather & George Hambrock (Friends)

Entered January 23, 2025 from Crystal Beach ON

Dear Barb, Eric and family, thinking of you all...it sure seems like love is what you remember most! Your Mom sounds like quite a lady, and her life certainly does sound wonderful. How lovely for all of you. Love Heather and George xo

Barry & Susie Cort (Friend)

Entered January 23, 2025 from Dade City, FL

We will certainly miss Oma’s smiling face each Winter in Florida. We hope her family finds peace and comfort in wonderful memories.

Nancy and Chick Meech (Neighbor)

Entered January 25, 2025 from Dade City FL

Oma loved meeting up with our dog , Gracie, when we met her walking the streets of the Highlands. Always had a smile for us too! Lovely lady blessed with a long life.

Barbara and John Eimer (My mother and Gisela were cousins. Their mothers were twins.)

Entered February 1, 2025 from Seattle WA

Barb, Krista and your families, we were so sorry to learn of Gisela’s passing. We loved your visit to Seattle and I cherished my phone calls with your mom. She holds a very special place in my heart.

Photos 

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