Gisela Lucie Zenk

It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of our mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Gisela Lucie Zenk (née Kupczyk), who passed away peacefully at age 92, on July 16, 2026, in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada.

Gisela was born on March 17, 1934 in Eichhorn, East Prussia, Germany, to Karl & Marie Kupczyk (née Czerwinski). As a child, growing up during the hardships of World War II, Gisela demonstrated a resilience and strength of character that remained with her throughout her life. She lost her father during the war and she and her mother and three sisters were forced from their home. Following the war, they first resided in the newly formed East Germany, where she was schooled in home economics, before family members living in West Germany were able to sponsor Gisela and her immediate family to join them there. Subsequently, she lived and worked in Bielefeld, West Germany for several years until 1958 when she immigrated to Canada, following the path of her two older sisters, Hannah & Ilse while her other sister, Carla, remained in West Germany. Gisela often shared the story about suffering from terrible sea-sickness on the ship she took to cross the Atlantic Ocean and having to spend most of the journey in her cabin. She had briefly met her eventual husband, Gunther, who was travelling on the same ship, however they did not reconnect until they were both living in Winnipeg where they married in 1959. They remained married for 65 years, prior to Gunther’s death in 2024. In 1964, they moved to Vancouver where they made their home and raised their family. Gisela was an avid baker, specializing in traditional German cakes such as Marmorkuchen, Streuselkuchen, Mohnkuchen, Stollen and Frankfurter Kranz. She enjoyed tending her vegetable gardens and was skilled in canning foods and making jams & jellies. She took pride in her home and family and was a great support for them. She particularly enjoyed the time she was able to spend caring for her beloved grandchild, Matthew, and whenever she saw him or spoke of him, she beamed. She participated in the church bowling league for decades where she had many friends and great fun. She also lawn bowled during the summer.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gunther Zenk; her parents, Karl & Marie Kupczyk; and her sisters, Hannah, Ilse, and Carla.

Gisela is lovingly remembered by her son, Gordon Zenk (Pamela); her daughter, Greta Zenk Fiskum (Daniel); her grandson, Matthew Zenk (Delane). In the days prior to her passing she met her infant great-grandson, Roy Zenk and was surrounded by family. She also leaves behind dear friends who will cherish her memory.

Gisela will be remembered for her quiet strength, enduring love for her family, and the grace with which she faced life’s many challenges. Her greatest joy was found in the lives of her children and grandchild, whose accomplishments and happiness brought her immeasurable pride. Although she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on through the family she nurtured, the values she instilled, and the love she shared so generously.

The family would like to thank the staff at Rosewood Manor, where Gisela lived during her latter years, for their caring support.

May her memory be a blessing.