Brigitta Walli Hollasch

At the age of 17, Brigitta escaped Soviet controlled East Germany by jumping from a train. She found employment as a nanny to an American military family stationed at Stuttgart. This is where she would meet her future husband, Woldemar Hollasch, who drove a truck for the American military. Married on February 20, 1957, the newlyweds arrived in Calgary in April. Woldemar worked as a carpenter building homes.

From 1963 to 1967, they lived on and helped tend the family farm in Bluffton, Alberta. They lived in Calgary for the remainder of their lives together. The family formed a band called “The Living Rhythm Band”, which performed locally for ten years.

Having always been great with numbers, and the children grown, Brigitta became an accountant. Brigitta and Woldemar saw their family flourish to include ten grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren (plus one on the way). Brigitta loved children; the arrival of any of her grandchildren or great grandchildren into the room would bring a sparkle to her eyes and a smile to her lips.

Brigitta loved the Lord; she was the spiritual leader of the home. Her abiding faith was beautiful to witness; nothing was more important to her. After moving to Oakville three years ago, Brigitta regularly attended Hope Bible Church.

Brigitta is survived by her sister Inge Keller, daughter, Ursula Keller, sons Walter (Audrey) Hollasch and Robert (Tanya) Hollasch. She is predeceased by her husband Woldemar Hollasch, brother Peter (Mia) Keller, and granddaughter, Desiree Bowsher.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Hope Bible Church, 500 Great Lakes Blvd, Oakville, Ontario, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

A second Celebration of Life will be held at Foster’s Garden Chapel, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Brigitta Hollasch to Compassion Canada (https://www.compassion.ca/).