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