It is with great sadness and a profound love that we announce the loss of Gisela Korsch, who passed away peacefully on July 18, 2024, at the age of 81.

Gisela was born in Poland on March 10, 1943. As a two-year-old, her mother took her and her four-year-old sister and fled on a horse-drawn wagon to get away from the Russians. They fled to East Germany and stayed there for five years. In 1950, the family fled again to West Germany and eventually settled in Bremen. Later that year, Gisela, as a seven-year-old, met her father for the very first time after her father finally came home from being a prisoner of war under the Russians. In 1954, the family immigrated to Canada. They lived in Vancouver, BC, Barrhead, AB, and finally settled in Kelowna in 1960. After working at several different jobs, Gisela found work in the office of the local sawmill. They saw the potential in her, and she was promoted to the accounting department. She loved it and worked for the mill for 37 years until her retirement in 2003.

Gisela and Otto tied the knot in 1978, and she became an instant mom to two boys and one girl. She handled that transition wonderfully well. Gisela was a great wife to Otto and a wonderful stepmom to the kids. Gisela was an accomplished cook and baker. Her hobby was needlepoint, and she usually had several stitchery projects going on at the same time. Later on in life, Gisela was unable to enjoy her needle pointing because of her arthritis.

Gisela had a fall on January 16th in 2023 and cracked her pelvic bone in two places. She had existing mobility issues, but this last fall put her into Kelowna General Hospital for a six-month stay. When all the medical issues were sorted out, they send her to Cottonwoods long term care centre to try to work on her mobility. Gisela could never regain the strength in her legs, and after some time she could no longer do the gym and the rehabilitation exercises. Gisela’s condition deteriorated over time and other health issues began to emerge.

After one year in Cottonwoods Care Centre, on July 18th 2024, the love of my life went to heaven where she has no more pain. Gisela is reunited with her sister Ingrid, whom she missed so much, along with the rest of the family who have gone before her.

Gisela leaves behind her husband Otto of 45 years; three stepchildren Ron (Betty), Ken (Patsy), Tammy; 6 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her brother Kurt, as well as many nieces and nephews whom she all loved.

I want to take this time, on behalf of Gisela and myself, to thank the staff and doctors on four west of KGH for the care that she received. I also want to thank the caregivers, nurses, and management of the Cadder unit in Cottonwoods as well as the people at the door, people in the office, the cleaning staff, and physiotherapists for what you did for us, especially for Gisela! We got to know each other, and you all went the extra mile for us. We knew that and we felt it. THANK YOU!!! And now to the “Captain “, the one that guided us through thick and thin, Dr. Howard Davidson. I appreciate how you helped us with all the decisions that needed to be made and your listening ear when I needed it. THANK YOU!!!

A Funeral Service will be held on MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2024, AT 1:00PM, LOCATED AT SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.