Gisela Margot Ruth Meier

Gisela Margot Ruth Meier

Gisela Margot Ruth Meier was born on December 7, 1925 in West Prussia, Germany. She was the fourth of five surviving daughters of Alexander and Olga Klettke (nee Pelzer). Two of her three oldest siblings had passed away shortly after childbirth, and the third lived for almost one year before passing.

Gisela weighed not much more than two pounds at birth. Instead of crying like most babies do, she merely squeaked. The midwife put her aside, and after some moments her mother Olga asked, “Where is my child?”

The midwife advised her that the infant would not survive. But Olga knew differently and protested, “Give me my baby!” and she held that tiny, much too quiet bundle close to herself to warm it up. There was no incubator. There was only a mother’s love and her prayers, and God who saw that love and heard those prayers. And so began a lifetime of miracles.

Childhood

Gisela’s childhood included playing with homemade board games and dolls with her sisters. They were quite competitive, and frequently they would argue loudly.

The sisters and their friends sometimes played house, and each girl gave herself a new surname and a given name for their imaginary husbands. One surname Gisela never wanted for herself was Meier, as "Frau Meier" because it was such a common one. And for a first name, she never liked the name Hugo for a husband.

Gisela attended eight years of schooling, called Volkschule, which was the common practice for those that did not continue on to attend Gymnasium (High School). The teacher was committed to his students, and offered music lessons for those who were interested. This enabled Gisela to learn how to play various recorders and she even had a short stint at violin lessons before her schooling was completed.

During school vacations, Gisela worked in the fields of local farmers, which allowed her to earn some pocket money. This was spent on school field trips to various local cities that the teacher organized. Gisela enjoyed her school years and the adventures that they afforded her, and they fueled her love of history and travel.

College

Upon completion of her Volkschule education, Gisela went on to an agricultural college where she learned how to manage everything on an estate, including the milking of cows, cooking for large numbers, slaughtering a rooster, harvesting and everything that needed to be done to care for the home, and more. Days were long, followed by late evenings of doing homework.

After graduation, Gisela continued to work in this field. The sister she was closest to in age, Ursula, had had the same training, and often put in a good word for Gisela, and they often ended up working at the same location.

Meeting God

Although Gisela always believed in the existence of God, when she was about 18 years old, she attended a Gospel meeting in the fall of 1942 where a seasoned man of God spoke of the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. He extended the invitation to those in attendance, speaking of how Jesus hung there on the cross, pouring out his blood, pouring out his life, and pouring out his love for the world. Gisela was moved not just by these words, but by the invitation of God himself, and she responded to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to intentionally follow his call on her life.

Unbeknownst to her, a young man named Hugo Meier was on a two-week leave from the army, and in attendance at the same meeting. He too responded to the same divine invitation, however they would not end up getting to know one another for some time to come.

Refugee Status

Gisela was working on the estate of a family who needed to leave everything behind and flee to escape the Russians, along with a large enclave of others. Enroute, Gisela saw a plane overhead shooting down while they were hidden beneath some bushes. The aircraft was close enough for her to see the pilot’s face, and she prayed for protection. Miraculously, none of them were injured, but the sound of the gunfire must have been terrifying.

Hugo ended up being a prisoner of war in Russia for several years, where conditions were harsh and many of his fellow soldiers died. He, too, grew very ill. A Russian doctor was moved to compassion and sent him home to die. He was deemed to have 80% heart damage.

Marriage

Miraculously, God intervened and restored the broken young man Hugo to good health. His oldest sister Anna and Gisela’s mother Olga were befriended, and between the two of them, they arranged for Hugo and Gisela to meet at a Sunday afternoon Gospel meeting.

Depending on who told the story - an attractive young man according to Hugo, or a bloated, unhealthy, unattractive young man that Gisela felt sorry for, they got to know one another. Their connection was pleasant enough, but Hugo was concerned. Gisela was happy to cook for him and mend his socks as a courtesy, but thought nothing further of it.

Hugo, however, was thinking of marriage, yet was reluctant to become Gisela’s suitor as she was very shy by nature and only spoke what was necessary. Hugo was afraid it would be a very quiet marriage. A number of people, including Gisela’s niece Hannelore, encouraged him to ask Gisela to be his wife. Gisela, for her part, soon realized that his social calls were intended for her, and not just for her mother, and prayed for God’s direction in this, asking that nothing come of Hugo's visits if it was not in the will of God for them to be married.

On August 5, 1950, Hugo and Gisela became husband and wife. Almost four years later, they welcomed the arrival of their firstborn, a son, Fred.

A New Land

When Fred was about three months old, Hugo and Gisela were compelled to leave their homeland. Canada had opened its doors to new immigrants, and so the young family boarded a vessel called the Arosa Star. This was an unexpected turn of events, and the farewell from loved ones was not easy. Gisela prayed for two things - for an ability to learn the English language quickly, and that she not be homesick for the country she was leaving behind.

The seas were rough and the waves enormous, and only Gisela managed to go for regular meals in a dining hall that became increasingly empty. But she was nursing her young son, and trusted God to keep her well enough so that she could continue to have enough nourishment for her little one.

All were relieved when they arrived at Quebec City. A train ride took them to Vancouver, where they finally disembarked and began their life in their new homeland on a Friday.

On Sunday, they met with a local German congregation, where Hugo was introduced to a masonry contractor who was looking for a bricklayer helper. And so God provided both a spiritual family and employment right from the start.

Both Hugo and Gisela attended English language classes along with other new Canadians. Gisela found it easy to learn a new language, and turned out to be the best student in the class. God had certainly answered that prayer.

In 1957, God blessed the family with a new addition, daughter Chris.

Within a year Hugo began working as a self-employed masonry contractor himself while Gisela remained a stay-at-home mom. She often sang or whistled throughout the day while she kept a garden, occasionally becoming a second mom to children whose mother’s required hospital care, and she was a hostess with the mostest, always cooking and baking up a storm. And she always ensured that mealtimes ended with a song. Yet there was always time for her relationship with God. She was frequently found on her knees, praying for others.

In addition, Gisela was an assistant to Hugo's business, taking phone calls and doing all the banking.

Whenever she ran errands, she was always well-supplied with little Gospel pamphlets which she shared with others in shops and on the sidewalks, making sure to let them know how much God loved them.

Retirement

When Hugo left behind his bricklaying trade at age 66, he and Gisela retired to a small farm in Yarrow, where they could be close to their son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. The gardening increased, in addition to keeping chickens and rabbits.

Widowhood

On June 1, 1999, a new chapter began in Gisela’s life. After a relatively short illness, Hugo graduated to heaven after almost 49 years of marriage, and Gisela became a widow, one who prayed for others and continued to serve through her cooking and baking.

Gisela continued to live on the farm, and connected with the Yarrow Canadian Reformed Church where she was blessed to enter this new season of her life in a caring spiritual home that the Lord had provided for her, with connections to dear brothers and sisters.

City Living

Three years later, it was time for Gisela to retire from farming and to move to Vancouver where she took up urban farming. Her garden was small but her heart continued to remain large, and her hospitality continued.

She was also able to participate more fully in her home church at Immanuel Baptist, taking part in the Women’s ministry, White Cross Work, prayer ministry, Seniors’ meetings and more.

While in Vancouver, Gisela received the first of three pacemakers for her heart, and two successive ones when the batteries deemed it necessary. She continued to enjoy the life God allowed her to live.

Recent pandemic guidelines curtailed her direct involvement at church these last few years, however she continued to work in her garden and occasionally host her family in her home.

Back to the Fraser Valley

In mid-December, 2022, Gisela became hospitalized. When it became time to be discharged, it was advised that Gisela not live on her own, and her son Fred and daughter-in-law Sue welcomed her into their home. It was an unforgettable time.

She had mostly good moments, but also some tough ones. There were some amazing caregivers who treated Gisela as they would their own mother. Of special note are Virginia and Georgia, who gave Gisela the best of care and companionship. Heartfelt appreciation for all that they did.

On Thursday, April 13, 2023 Gisela was feeling quite unwell so she was taken to the Emergency at Chilliwack Hospital. It was initially deemed that she had pneumonia, and she was put on IV antibiotics for what was to be a few days, after which she was to be discharged.

On Friday, April 14, her daughter Chris drove to the hospital where Gisela had just been settled into a room. She was tired. Yet her eyes lit up when Chris entered the room, and she asked her daughter, “Have you eaten anything?”

The visit was sweet, with time to sing songs and share conversations. Chris told Gisela that if it was her time to go home, she should feel free to go home, and that all of us would be ok.

“But you won’t have a mom anymore,” Gisela replied. Her daughter assured her that even though she would be missed, God would not leave her. Just as He had been with her throughout her life, he was not going to abandon those left behind.

Later that evening, her daughter sang a German lullaby which speaks of how the Lord protects his children like a mother hen protects her offspring under the shelter of her wings. As the song began, Gisela still mouthed the words. By the time the song ended, she was home.

Gisela is survived by her son Fred, daughter-in-law Susan, daughter Chris, grandchildren Matthew (Claire), Naomi (Dean), Rachel (Dusty), great grandchildren Renea (Matt), Samuel, Joshua, Sarah, Danny and Tripp, and great great grandchildren Ellie and Avery.

She is predeceased by her parents, all her siblings, and her beloved husband Hugo.

Gisela was also known as mom, Muttchen, Omi and Tante Gisela to many in her circle of family and friends. Well-lived, much-loved, abounding in generosity and kindness to others, Gisela will be missed greatly by all who knew her. Her legacy lives on in many lives.

Regarding her prayer request - that she never be homesick for her old home country, did she ever miss it? Gisela often said that she never had. In the end, she was only homesick for heaven.

Farewell then, until we meet again.

The interment was Monday, April 24, 2023.

The pallbearers were:

Fred Meier (son)

Matthew Meier (grandson)

Dean Orrell (grandson, husband of granddaughter Naomi)

Samuel Orrell (great grandson)

Joshua Orrell (great grandson)

Richard Procee (family friend)

The honorary pallbearer was:

Michael Rudolf (great nephew)

The Celebration of Life Service is on Monday, May 8 at 11am, at Main Street Church, at 45830 Princess Ave in Chilliwack, BC. You are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to Open Doors https://www.opendoorscanada.org/, a ministry dear to Gisela's heart.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawn-mtcheam.ca for the Meier family.