Gisela Christa Ostendorfer

Gisela lived a long life welcoming each new beginning with determination and perseverance.

Gisela was born in Königsberg, Germany, and enjoyed a pleasant childhood until World War ll broke out. Those years of uncertainty and upheaval allowed her to gain incredible resilience and strength of character. She learned the value of independence and making her own way through whatever life presented. Gisela worked for the American occupation forces in Wiesbaden after the war. It was there she met Jörgen and, both having lost their homelands, they began their journey of immigration to Canada with their daughter, Gabriela, in 1954.

Upon her arrival in Ottawa, she was able to secure employment with CIBC at the main branch on Sparks Street. Later, she went on to assist George in his home construction business, G. Ostendorfer Ltd, for many years. The business was known for honesty, reliability and integrity.

Gisela and George loved entertaining friends in their home and were fortunate to enjoy many retirement winters in Florida. In the early 1990s they achieved their original dream and moved to Vancouver Island in beautiful British Columbia. Gisela moved to Beechwood Village in Sidney in 1991 and remained fiercely independent until her death. Over the years, she enjoyed her travels to USA, Mexico, England, France, Spain and, of course, Germany. She served on a number of committees and was eager to stay engaged with community. Gisela had a passion for shopping and was always elegant and well put-together. She loved going out for good coffee, watching German soaps online and reading the Saturday Globe and Mail. For many years, Gisela was an avid annual pass-holder for Butchart Gardens where she enjoyed her weekly walks among the flowering delights. She was direct and punctual. You always knew exactly where you stood with Gisela. She was computer literate and stayed in touch with others via email. Gisela loved dogs and her god-poodle Gigi will miss her.

A few days before her death, Gisela attended the Barney Bentall Cariboo Express concert. While sitting in the middle seat of the front row, her highlight was catching the scarf thrown by Matt Masters during the performance.

Gisela was predeceased by her husband, Jörgen (George) Ostendorfer of Danzig, Germany in 2011; her mother, Frida Borowski (Müller) in 1981 and her father, Georg Borowski in 1971, both of Königsberg, Germany. She leaves her daughter, Gabriela; cousins in Germany and La Palma, Canary Islands; and numerous friends who will miss her dearly.

Bravo Gisela for your courage, bravery and having your final wish granted.

Deep gratitude to Dr Stamp-Vincent for his ongoing care and to Dr Jane Henderson (MAiD) for her compassionate assistance. At Gisela’s request no formal funeral service will be held.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to

Medical Assistance in Dying: Victoria Hospital Foundation (250-519-1750)

Helping Hands @ Beechwood (Tianna 250-655-0849)

Pacific Animal Therapy Society (250-590-9082)

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialsaanich.com for the Ostendorfer family.