Hulda “Hilda” Patzer

HULDA PATZER

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at East Gate Lodge after a 5 year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Mom will be lovingly remembered by her four children, Edmund ( Arlene), Lillian Kozak (Dennis), Ken (Willie) and Lorna Zarzycki (Bruce), eight grandchildren, Marlis Krueger (Ben), Wade Kozak (Natasha), Bradley Patzer (Teresa), Jeremy Patzer (Tori), Diana Patzer, Cheryl Patzer (Kenji Otsuji), Gregory Patzer (Crystal), Michael Zarzycki (Courtney) and 12 great grandchildren Carsten and Justine Krueger, Juliet, Harry, Ryan and Ted Kozak, Danielle, Evan, Hannah and Matthew Patzer, Noah Patzer and Keane Otsuji.  She is also survived by her sisters, Alma Kintop, Linda Beck and brothers Walter (Betty) and Ron Kintop, sisters in-law Elsie Kintop, Liz Patzer and Elsie Patzer, brothers in-law Dan Patzer and Ernest Beck and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mom was predeceased by our father Leonard (1975), brothers Daniel (1997), Emmanuel (2000), Willie (2011) and sister Natalie (2011).

Mom was born on August 14, 1921 to Frederick and Marie Kintop in a pioneer homestead in Greenwald, the eldest of nine children.  She married our dad Leonard at the age of 21 and was an equal working partner on their mixed farm, which later became a dairy farm.  She milked cows, tossed bales of hay, operated farm machinery, grew a large garden and boarded and roomed teachers for a number of years, while raising her four children.

Mom suffered the sudden and traumatic loss of her husband at the age of 54, in the midst of operating the farm that had now become dairy and grain.  With her persistence, strong independence and determination, she learned to drive, thus enabling her to live independently on the farm for the next 31 years.

She enjoyed frequent visits from her eight siblings, their families and her children and later grandchildren and their families, for whom she hosted many dinners.  Her home was aptly named “the bakery” for her table was often covered with flour while making perogies, bread, doughnuts or pies.  No matter who came by visiting, it was never long before she had a meal on the table.  She kept busy raising chickens for a few years, gardening, sewing patch blankets, knitting afghans, making wool and feather quilts and pillows, did volunteer sewing for East Gate Lodge and picked blueberries in the summer.  Mom cherished her family and passed on to all of us her deep faith and her work ethic.

She was an active and faithful member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, participating in the choir and Ladies Aid, and was a 4-H Club Leader in her earlier years.  She took a memorable trip to Israel in 1981 and often visited her daughter Lorna in Vancouver, BC.

Her sharp memory for details up to the age of 85 was an asset as she gave her family historical tours of the Thalberg Lutheran graveyard and while serving on the committee for the Trinity Lutheran Church 75^th Anniversary, held in 1992.  She moved into Stoney Plain Assisted Living in January, 2007 due to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, and received help from the caring and supportive staff for three years.  East Gate Lodge became her home in January, 2010, where she received tender, loving and compassionate care from the wonderful caregivers in the Rose Unit.  The family wishes to express our deep gratitude for making our mother’s stay so pleasant and her passing so peaceful.

In lieu of flowers, anyone so wishing may make a donation to East Gate Lodge, Trinity Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer’s Society.

Funeral Service were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 1 at Trinity Lutheran Church (off Hwy 12, turn east on Road 94N) with viewing one hour prior to the service.  Pastor Mark Koenker will officiate and interment followed in the Thalberg Lutheran Cemetery.

Rest in Peace Mom.

Our memories of you will

Keep you close in our hearts forever.

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