Oct 24, 1930 - Apr 1, 2018
Having lived a long and happy life, Gertrud passed away peacefully on April 1, 2018, at the age of 87. Gertrud was predeceased by her loving husband, Kurt (December 18, 2017), and is survived by her children, Traudi Kelm (Calgary), Sissi Racine (Saskatoon), Lydia Buitenwerf (Duncan), and Curtis Darmohray (Kelowna). Gertrud was truly loved by her 4 children, her 9 grandchildren, and her 8 great-grandchildren, and will be fondly remembered and missed by all who knew her.
Gertrud was born on October 24, 1930, in Neunkirchen, Austria. She was the only child of Karl Schweiss and Maria (Postl) Schweiss, who, together with their extended family, cherished and adored her. Despite the ravages of World War II, Gertrud and her family survived, and she completed her master seamstress apprenticeship. Thereafter, she and her family worked hard and contributed to the rebuilding of their beloved Country. Given her love of music, singing, and dancing, it was only fitting that Gertrud met her life-long partner, Kurt, at a local country dance. In due course, they married and welcomed their first child (Traudi) into their difficult post-war world.
Seeking a better life for themselves and their growing family, Gertrud made the difficult decision to leave her beloved parents, and followed Kurt to (Calgary) Canada in 1955. Together, they learned English, became Canadian citizens, and worked hard to achieve their Canadian dream. Gertrud completed her early childhood teaching certification, and together with Kurt, proceeded to open one of the largest and successful day care centers in Alberta. Over the years, thousands of children were loved, nurtured, and educated by Gertrud, and she is remembered by many as their favorite "kindergarten teacher" still today!
Gertrud will be fondly remembered as a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother (Oma), and great grandmother. She loved cooking, gardening, reading, playing cards, visiting with friends, singing with the Kelowna Liedertafel Choir, sitting down by the lake, teaching her children and grandchildren, spending time with her family, and contributing to her community.
Gertrud lead a full and wonderful life, and will be sorely missed! "You are at peace, your soul's at rest, there is no need for tears. For with your love, we were so blessed for all these many years." Thank-you for everything - we love you Mom!
A heartfelt "Thank-you" to ALL who assisted Gertrud and her family during her final days.
A Celebration of Gertrud's Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2018, at the Everden Rust Funeral Home located at 1910 Windsor Road, Kelowna, B.C.
Condolences may be offered at www.everdenrust.com 
Everden Rust Funeral Services