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GRETCHEN (GRETEL) SCHAIBLE-THUMM
Date of Passing: Jan 16, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGRETCHEN (GRETEL) SCHAIBLE-THUMM
Peacefully, in her cherished home in St. Vital, with her husband by her side, Gretel passed away on January 16, 2024, overlooking the yard and bird (squirrel/deer) feeder that provided much joy and entertainment over the years. She was always independent and we are grateful that she passed away as she lived, on her own terms.
Left behind to celebrate her life are her husband of 52 years, Karl, her two children, Philip (Sonja) and Bettina, her grandchildren, Konrad and Erik, heart-adopted sons, Al (Jackie) and Darcy (Kirsty), granddogs, Charlie and Theodore, sisters-in-law: Juliane with children, Anna and Stefan; Annette with children, Rosemarie and Marianne, and brother-in-law René. Also surviving her are many German relatives, including her sister Erika (Dieter), nieces, Gabrielle and Kristina, and numerous other family, friends, and neighbours.
She was predeceased by her parents, Karl Georg and Pauline, parents-in-law, Karl H. and M. Susanna, sister Henriette, nephew Michael, and brothers-in-law, Josef and Danny.
Gretel grew up in Stuttgart, Germany and lived her teen years during tumultuous times. She apprenticed as a dressmaker and eventually rose to the honoured ranks of Master Seamstress.
She was an enthusiastic participant in European culture and attended many opera, symphony, and ballet performances, including many world premieres, and had many friends in that world.
Gretel moved to Canada in 1978 at the age of 47 with her husband and children to start a new life in a new country, learning English as her second language. She proudly became a Canadian citizen in 1986 and for the rest of her days would hate when her (slight) accent would cause people to question her origin, crossly advising that she was Canadian.
She studied for and received her Manitoba hairdressing and cosmetology license to support the family business, Academy Hair Studio in Winnipeg, which thrived until their retirement in 2016.
She maintained her ongoing love of the Symphony and Opera in Winnipeg, proudly holding season tickets from her arrival in Canada until her passing.
She was an avid reader of books and magazines, particularly her beloved Architectural Digest and Gourmet. It is therefore no surprise that she was a fantastic cook and baker who loved to entertain family and friends with both planned and impromptu visits. Her strong organizational skills showed in the party menus that were decided on and written out down to the last detail weeks in advance of the event.
Gretel’s life was her family and virtually all important events circled around that theme. She was the heart of her family, generous of spirit, and leaves a great void in all of our lives.
As per Gretel’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family Celebration of Life and interment will occur in the Spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her name would be preferred to charities that were close to her heart - The Dream Factory (thedreamfactory.ca), Manitoba Opera (mbopera.ca) or the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (wso.ca).
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 20, 2024, Jan 20, 2024
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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I was so sorry to hear about your mom’s/Gretel’s passing, and want to send my heartfelt condolences to you and your extended family. “Mrs. Schaible,” as I new her growing up on Crofton Bay, was one spirited soul, with a sharpness and joie de vivre that was second to none. Her Christmas baking tray was legendary in our household, and my family fought over who would get their favourite item of “Schaible baking” before the platter was wiped clean. Culinary prowess aside: Gretel embodied old world grace, culture, and kindness, and I trust those traits have been passed on to her heirs. Auf Wiedersehen, Mrs. S. - Posted by: Andrea Paci (Former neighbour) on: Jan 22, 2024
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Bettina, So very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Shelley King. - Posted by: Shelley King (Former co-worker of Bettina) on: Jan 20, 2024
