ISA PLOEHN (ISOLDE HANSCH)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ISA PLOEHN (nee ISOLDE HANSCH) Isa, born September 12, 1923, (ein Sonntagskind') in Weinau, Black Sea Region of Prischib, Ukraine, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 27, 2012, in Seattle, WA. She was predeceased by her parents Jakob and Antonie, husband John G. Ploehn, brothers Geo (1934) and Bruno, sister-in-law Mary Lou, and cousins Ernst and Arno. Jakob, Antonie, Isa and Bruno fled Russia in 1943, and lived in Marburg, Germany, where Isa studied nursing. After the family immigrated to Winnipeg, Canada in 1948, she mastered the English language, completed her studies and had a successful and gratifying career as a Head Nurse at the Winnipeg General Hospital. Isa loved Winnipeg ( I never minded the winters ), relished her annual vacations in Acapulco and looked forward to her weekly bridge nights with close friends from the General.' She was a dear friend of the late Arnold Spohr and a loyal supporter of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Throughout her life, Isa's positive attitude was evident in all her relationships. She will be remembered for the warmth and attention she brought to each person she met. Isa was a people person' and saw only goodness in everyone. She sincerely loved to embrace new acquaintances, and took great interest in their stories. She had an inner beauty and a smile, warmth and authenticity that engaged everyone she met. Until her memory faded in recent years, she never forgot a birthday, or special occasion and loved to send postcards from afar. Family was very important to Isa and she ensured that many Russian-German traditions and our heritage language were preserved ( der Volkswagen bleibt stehen! ). John and Isa were married in 1970, and lived in Acapulco, Mexico; Boulder, Colorado; and Sarasota, Florida. They experienced many remarkable cruises, extensive freighter adventures and travelled to almost every continent. Their door was always open to family and friends, they were voracious readers and enjoyed their retirement years to the fullest. Isa spent the past two and a half years in Seattle and was greatly loved by her nephew and family, Christopher and Suzy Hansch, Jakob, Isabella and Katarina. The children brought much joy to Isa and it was a blessing to have her nearby. She was a sincerely loving, giving and wonderful daughter, wife, sister, godmother, Tante and friend to many. Isa's memory will be cherished by the Hansch, Pflug, Obendoerfer, Kempf and Ploehn families. Special gratitude is extended to her companion, Eleni and the staff at Aegis Living in Lynnwood, WA. Honor Isa with a toast (Amoré!'), a glass of Merlot or Champagne and remember how marvellous' she was! A Private Family Service will be held at a later date. Ruhe in Frieden.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 30, 2012