We Remember

KORSCH, Gisela

March 10, 1943 — July 18, 2024

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!!!

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the BC Cancer Foundation.

A Funeral Service will be held on MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2024, AT 1:00PM, LOCATED AT SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.

LIVESTREAM:

Service
Monday, August 12, 2024, at 1:00 PM

Location
Springfield Funeral Home

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BC Cancer Foundation Link: www.bccancer.bc.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for KORSCH, Gisela is scheduled for Monday, August 12, 2024, at 1:00 PM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Springfield Funeral Home

2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna BC

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Testimonials

They took care of me like family.

Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke