LUCIE SCHMIDT (HARTFIL)

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LUCIE SCHMIDT (nee HARTFIL) On January 31, 2005, at her home with family at her side, Lucie entered into eternal rest at the age of 76 years. Lucie was born on October 6, 1928, in Goldingen, Latvia. Her early years were spent there until the family moved to Germany in 1939. During the Second World War, they were forced to travel, migrate and seek refuge. Left with nothing that resembled what they once called home, she and her family immigrated to Canada in 1951. She settled in Winnipeg, gained employment and began learning a new language and culture, seeking the promise that Canada had to offer. She met her husband Ewald through mutual friends and they married in November 1952. Working several jobs, they saved enough money to buy their farm located North West of Gimli, moving there in 1957. There they made their life, worked the land and raised their family. Lucie will always be remembered for her inner strength and indomitable spirit. Anyone who came to visit on the farm would always be greeted with open arms and warm hospitality. The table would soon be laden with food, and she would rejoice in the company and conversation. She was predeceased by her husband Ewald in 1997. She leaves to mourn her passing her son Eric Schmidt; daughter Betty Kunst; son-in-law Dirk; and grandsons, Karsten, David and Branden; sister Veronika Schierling; brother Alfred Hartfil; sisters and brothers-in-law, Martha and Oswald Borchert, Naomi Schmidt and Irmgard and Sigi Redmann; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Thanks to Dr. Chapnick, the nurses and support staff at Gimli Community Health Centre, Palliative Care and homecare, especially Gloria, Lucille and Courtney. Thanks as well to the staff at the Betel Home in Gimli, where she resided for the last year and a half until she became acutely ill. To all family and friends who extended their love, support and encouragement during her last few weeks of life, saying thank you cannot adequately express our sincere gratitude. Funeral services will be held Friday, February 4 at 3:00 p.m. in the Gilbart Funeral Chapel, Gimli, with Pastor Ed Mitchler officiating. Interment will follow in the Greek Catholic Society Cemetery, northwest of Gimli, MB. Pall Bearers will be Dirk Kunst, Karsten Kunst, David Kunst, Fred Bobrovich, Clark Bobrovich and Gary Stevenson. Flowers gratefully declined; donations may be made in Lucie's memory to Manitoba Cancer and Research foundation or Heart and Stroke Foundation. Gilbart Funeral Chapel, Gimli in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 03, 2005