Obituary of Eva Johanna Gschwendtner

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our mother Eva Johanna Gschwendtner on December 29, 2007, peacefully at the Rockyview General Hospital at the age of 85. Eva was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister. Born in Scott Saskatchewan to Wendilen and Mary Adams, the eldest of sixteen children, Eva lived her early years there and in Wilkie Saskatchewan. During World War II she lived and worked briefly in Woodstock Ontario. Upon her return, she moved to Banff, where she met her future husband Donald James Gschwendtner. Eva and Don married on June 7, 1948 and resided for a time in Edmonton before moving and settling in Calgary. Eva was predeceased by her beloved husband on July 12, 1971. Over the years, Eva worked for Eaton’s, Canada Safeway and the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Mum was completely devoted to and focused on family, and enjoyed nothing more than hosting family get-togethers and celebrating occasions and milestones. She was an excellent cook and homemaker, a wonderful listener, and knew how to make people feel welcome and special. Outside of family, her biggest passion was helping others and volunteer work which she performed in many ways, most notably for Holy Name Catholic Church, the Catholic Women’s League and the Sarcee Auxiliary Hospital and Nursing Home (now Carewest Sarcee). In both her work and volunteer activities she gave one-hundred percent. We will forever miss Mum’s selflessness and warmth, her sweet smile, and her unassuming and quiet manner, but we have many wonderful memories of her to cherish to ease the loss of her gentle wisdom, empathy and constant support and caring. She is survived by her son Allan Gschwendtner and his wife Jade, and her daughter Joan Moffat and her husband Ian, and by her grandchildren Christopher and Matthew Gschwendtner. She is also survived by ten brothers and sisters and their spouses: Mary Bremner, Kay Eremko, Helen (Stan) Gryba, Theresa Fehrenbach, Bertha (Howard) Swanson, Delores Price, Diane (Cal) Blehm, John ( Betty) Adams, Andrew (Elsie) Adams, Edward Adams, and sisters in law, Anne Adams, Delia Adams, Sandra Adams, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and friends (most recently friends she made at Horizon Village MacEwan). Eva was predeceased by her parents, four brothers and a sister: Clementine Wirth, Michael Adams, Joseph Adams, Donald Adams and Leo Adams, as well as sister-in-law Thelma Adams and brothers- in- law John Eremko, Del Fehrenbach and George Price. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at Holy Name Catholic Church (2223 – 34th Street S.W.) on Thursday January 3, 2008 at 7:00 P.M. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Name Catholic Church (2223 – 34th Street S.W.) on Friday January 4, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. Graveside Service to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers Eva’s wish was that donations be made to: Heart and Stroke, Cancer Society or charity of donor’s choice. The family wishes to thank the wonderful and caring staff at Mayfair Care Centre, in particular her nurse Cheryl, as well as the Rockyview Unit 81 staff, Rockyview Orthopedic surgery team, the recovery room staff, Emergency Department staff and Calgary EMS for their skilled and compassionate care. We are also grateful for the care Mum received in the course of several medical issues over the past year from staff at Rockyview, as well as Foothills Medical Centre and the Emergency Departments of both hospitals , the Carewest Sarcee Transition Unit, and Calgary EMS. In living memory of Eva Gschwendtner, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.