Heidi Fankhauser

She was born in Aarburg, Switzerland and as a young 17-year-old she lost her cherished mother, Hanna Baer-Weber. As a young woman she met the love of her life, Walter Fankhauser who immigrated alone to Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada to start a new life for the two of them. After six months mom travelled to Canada alone by plane, leaving friends and family, not knowing the language or culture to join dad and start a new life leaving all she knew to marry dad three days after arriving in Canada. Mom and dad started their young family and building their life together in Medicine Hat. Both mom and dad missed the mountains and decided to move to Cranbrook, B.C. Mom worked hard to support dad as they worked to build their businesses. Mom ran the motel they purchased alone while also raising young children while dad began his upholstery business which grew into a large furniture store. After they sold the motel, mom continued to support dad in his business ventures while raising their family, maintaining their home, always being available for her children.

Mom loves to garden both vegetable and flowers. Her gardens always looked so beautiful and produced a bounty of vegetables and flowers. Mom’s favorite flower was a daisy but she was happy whenever she received picked flowers from her children or a dozen roses from dad.

Mom’s deep faith sustained her throughout her life. She was very involved in the church teaching Sunday school for many years. Mom continued to hold many different positions in the church.

In 1996, dad and mom moved to Cochrane, Alberta to be closer to their family. Mom continued to be very active making new friends, joined a walking club, keeping active in their new church.

Heidi is survived by her three children; Andy (Susan), Rita (Barry), Mark (Tammy), 5 grandchildren; Stephen (Melissa), Jordan (Shannon), Kelsey (Mario), Matthew (Reeti), Michael (Sara) and 8 great grandchildren; Samuel, Vanessa, Nolan, Emma, Vinaya, Lucia, Rayva and Andre’.

Also survived by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Sami (Theres) Fankhauser-Zaugg, sister-in-law Lydia Fankhauser-Kauf and many nieces and nephews in Switzerland.

Mom was predeceased by her beloved husband, Walter and her parents Fritz and Hanna Baer-Weber, of Switzerland.

Until we meet again.

Mom, you will never be forgotten

That simple cannot be.

As long we are living

We will carry you with us.

Safely tucked within our hearts

Your light will always shine;

A glowing amber never still,

Throughout the end of time.

No matter what the future brings.

Or what may lie ahead,

We know that you will walk with us

Along the path we tread.

So rest our dear mom, be at peace.

One day we will join you for eternity.

(Author Unknown)