Gisela Johanna Harding

Gisela, also known as Gi, was born April 14th, 1929 in Breslau, Germany to a good middle class family. The family lost everything in the last few months of the war. In 1946 they had to flee Breslau and went to West Germany as refugees. Gisela was able to complete her high school education, then went to the Secretarial College in Frankfurt, and went to work for the Americans until 1949.

To improve her English, Gi moved to live with her Aunt in England, near the Scottish border. It was supposed to be for just 1 year; but liking the freedom and the English way of life, stayed and continued to make a new life in England. There she had a series of wonderful jobs, and was even able to buy her own home in 1960. Shortly after that she met Ted Harding, and another wonderful adventure began.

She first helped Ted in his trade and ran two DIY shops. At Gi’s urging, they switched to her expertise, and purchased a small hotel with restaurant in Sussex, England.

During this time her Brother, Siggie, had emigrated to Canada, living in Winnipeg, where their mother visited several times. Sadly, on her last visit she became deathly ill, and Gi went to be there for her last week of life. Liking what she saw while in Canada, Gi and Ted came back on holiday to see this great country. They travelled all the way to BC and they fell in love with the area.

Like so many of us, they packed up and moved to Canada in October 1974, first to Winnipeg, which they found just too cold for them, and eventually through to BC. It did not take long for them to find a job, as managers of the Siesta Motel in Kelowna and from there on never looked back. They managed several Hotels around BC, including in Port Rupert, Port Alberni, Fairmont, and the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Lakes National Park. Their home was still in Kelowna, where they finally retired in their own way, becoming Councilors and Consultants for the Federal Business Development Bank assisting numerous businesses with their impressive knowledge.

Gisela lost her husband, partner and loving companion Ted Harding in 1994.

Gisela entered a new lease on life in 2002 when she partnered with another Ted, Ted Wittenberg, who had lost his wife around the same time that Gi lost Ted. They embarked on numerous travels, with Gi driving in England and Germany in her 80’s. Even when longer travel times became too difficult, they took day trips to local casinos and took in shows whenever possible. In addition Gi volunteered at the Lake Country Seniors Center, wanting to contribute back to a community that had been part of her life for so many years. Asked when turning 80 if she was going to continue, her response was “I want to be there to help the “old” people who need assistance. That was Gi, always there for others.

Sadly, Ted “II” passed away in August 2015. Amazingly Gi carried on, making the most of life cooking wonderful meals and hosting many table discussions, often heated, but never unkind or cruel. She fed the local birds and rarely did a doggie out for a walk pass by without being offered a “cookie”. They knew where the generous soul lived.

Still driving at 90, Gi took a fall, cracking ribs, and entered Kelowna General Hospital for her last trip into town. Her heart finally surrendered August 1, and Gi left us for her next adventures, to travel ahead to perhaps bake and host others who will love her as so many of us did while she blessed us here.

While greatly missed, Gisela will be fondly remembered by the many friends, family, and “adopted” strays who called her “Auntie” or simply “Mum”. For those who knew her, a Celebration of Life will be held on September 28, 2019 at 3:00 pm at the Lake Country Senior Center. Please RSVP Tim Evans, [email protected] for an idea of number of people who will attend. In lieu of flowers, please bring a donation for the Lake Country Seniors Center.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com Arrangements entrusted to First Memorial Funeral Services, 250-762-2299.