(July 28, 1928 – January 15, 2022)

With her grateful family at her side, Ilse went peacefully to be reunited with Gerhard, her beloved husband of 67 years, on the morning of Saturday, January 15, 2021 at the age of 93.

Ilse is treasured by her daughters Madelaine Christ, JoAnne Nitschke and her husband Peter, and Evelyn Paparella and her husband Nick.

She is the loving Oma of Emily, Julian (Marion), Matthew (Alyssa), and Marcus.

Ilse is the daughter of the late Heinrich and Meta Brock, the dear sister of Monika Baum, and sister-in-law of Lydia Jensen, Heinz Christ, and the late Elfriede Fülber.

Ilse and Gerhard did everything together, since the day they met in 1947. She was the light of his life. They married in 1951, immigrated to Canada from Germany in 1952, built two houses together, hiked thousands of kilometres, travelled the world, and never stopped learning.

Ilse inspired those around her by her warmth, genuine kindness, beautiful laughter, and deep appreciation for life. She always thought of others and dedicated herself to Gerhard and their family, her pride and joy. “Aren’t we so lucky to have such a good family,” she would say. In so many ways, it was thanks to her. She taught her family to be caring, thoughtful, considerate, positive, and loving.

Ilse was an extremely talented seamstress, volunteered for decades at the Heart and Stroke Foundation, St. John’s Ambulance, the Red Cross, and the Oshawa Hospital, and proudly donated blood countless times.

Ilse loved being part of the News & Views Discussion Group on Friday mornings, where she met many of her closest friends, and taking courses through Durham Lifelong Learning and the Oshawa Senior Community Centres.

She loved her plants and flowers, playing Euchre, good music, and being together.

She will be remembered for how she loved us and we will love her forever.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Ilse’s life will be held at a future date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the ARMSTRONG FUNERAL HOME , 124 King Street East, Oshawa.

In lieu of flowers, donations to her favourite charity the Lakeridge Health Foundation for Cancer Care would be greatly appreciated, as well as simple acts of loving kindness in memory of Ilse.

The family would like to thank the incredible staff of G6 at Lakeridge Health Oshawa for their excellent care and support during the last week of Ilse’s life.

Online condolences may be left at armstrongfh.ca .