Elly Knittel

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved mother, Elly Knittel, who left us peacefully – albeit very much on her own terms - on February 23rd, surrounded by her family.

Elly (affectionately known as Omi) was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, stepmother, mother-in-law, aunt, and friend. Over her remarkable 94½ years, her strength, perseverance, kindness, and generosity touched countless lives. She carried herself with quiet resilience and an enduring sense of purpose that inspired everyone around her.

She was known for her intelligence, curiosity, lively sense of humour, unwavering tenacity, and, yes, a sometimes not-so-subtle stubborn streak. Those who knew her well will smile remembering that she rarely passed up an opportunity to offer her words of wisdom — whether or not they were requested, and however delightfully quirky they might have sounded. She had strong opinions, a sharp mind, and a heart to match.

Elly will be remembered for her warmth, her caring nature, her deep love of nature, and above all, her fierce devotion to her large and ever-growing family. Nothing brought her greater pride than the generations that followed her.

We are profoundly grateful for the time we shared and find comfort in knowing how deeply Elly was loved. During her final ten days in hospital, she spoke often and fondly of her extended family and the many dear friends she gathered throughout the years — a testament to the rich and meaningful life she built.

In keeping with Mom’s wishes, she will be cremated and later this year interred alongside her beloved husband, Heinz. We will share details of a memorial gathering in the coming months so that we may come together to celebrate her life, her stories, and the legacy she leaves behind.

In the meantime, we sincerely appreciate your thoughts, kindness, and support during this time of transition.