Ms. Elizabeth Ferber

My beautiful mother was such a force. I thought she’d live forever, but life has its own plan. I will miss her, but she will always be part of me as I am part of her. She leaves behind so many memories and had a long life fully lived.

She was born on May 7th 1923 in Antunovac, Croatia. She grew up on a farm and worked very hard as so many people did back then, never having the opportunity to go to school and develop her amazing talents for singing, dancing, acting among others too many to count. But to all those who knew her, these talents were evident in everything she touched. A great gardener, cook, seamstress, dancer and singer and hilarious story teller. A perfectionist in everything.

After living through WWII, she moved to Austria and married Sebastian Ferber. There they lived for five years and gave birth to their first daughter, Heidi. In 1952, they immigrated to Canada and worked hard to build a better life. They bought their first house and their second daughter, Elizabeth, was born. They had a large community in Vancouver also from Croatia and everyone helped each other succeed and prosper.

They worked hard all their lives, but also had many good times going to community dances, Hawaii, Europe and after retirement spent winters in Palm Springs.

She lost her husband, Sebastian, in 1986. Far too soon, but she managed as best she could with great strength a courage. She went back to Europe and visited family, went to California and also a cruise.

She lost her dear daughter, Heidi, in 2020. She outlived most of her community, strong to the end. She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth.

She will be missed, but will live on in the hearts of those who knew her great beauty, hard work, sense of humour and her kindness and amazing strength.

With special thanks to the staff at Yaletown House who gave my mother loving care and comfort to the very end, like angels watching over her.