With broken hearts we wish to announce the passing of Heidi Hoeft. She lived a full life of 84 plus years. Heidi’s lifelong partner, Harry, had predeceased her, having died in November of 2019. Heidi is survived by her only son Frank, and her daughter-in-law Ramona; her grandson Uriah and granddaughter-in-law Morgane; and her grandson Jeremiah. Heidi was also predeceased by her father, Ferdinand Rahn; mother, Ida Rahn; her father-in-law, Wilhelm Hoeft; and her mother-in-law, Wanda Hoeft.
Heidi was born, on February 22, 1937, in Grosse Dembe, Poland. Her childhood was truly rural, growing up on a farm. At approximately 8 years of age she, with her family, had to flee from the advancing Russian army leaving the farm far behind. Eventually the family made its way to the village of Barnkrug, near Stade, which was near Hamburg in Germany. This would be Heidi’s new home. She attended high school in Stade.
Mom’s independent ways were evident early on when she and a friend would attend local soccer games and cheer for the opposing team. One can only imagine the motivation, but it provokes a smile at the very least.
Events leading to Mom’s courtship with Dad began when a friend brought her a newspaper which contained postings of pen pal requests. It was this door that opened the way to a lengthy period of letter writing between Heidi and Harry, and eventually Dad proposed to Mom through this correspondence. Mom’s reply would be forthcoming after a lengthy journey to a remote part of Canada.
Heidi arrived, via train, in Prince George, BC, on June 6, 1956. Talk about a change of surroundings and culture, from Europe to the logging and pulp mill town of Prince George. Apparently Mom was not put off by this because a month later, on July 5, Heidi and Harry were married, and their adventure together began.
Mom, like Dad, got busy building a life, applying herself to a variety of jobs along the way in those early years, and it was also during this time that she began honing cooking skills which would become “legendary” as time wore on. Then, added to the mix, was the birth of her only child, Frank, in December of 1959. Heidi and Harry did all that they could to ensure a stable, loving home. They had witnessed first hand the effects of the war and were strongly motivated to make sure that what they had lacked would not be the experience of their son.
Eventually Harry began a business which Heidi worked in as a bookkeeper and bill collector. She worked part time, and cared for the family full time. As the business grew and prospered Heidi welcomed many opportunities to travel which both her and Dad did extensively. Mom also enjoyed hosting friends and family with dinner parties which were considerable work but which she never seemed to tire of doing. In her spare time Heidi also enjoyed reading which fed her curiosity and hunger to learn.
After many hectic years of business labor in Prince George, Heidi and Harry sold the business in 1988, and moved to Kelowna to retire. They were able to travel even more now and Heidi particularly enjoyed the times she spent with her grandchildren. She loved spoiling them with presents, food, and treats. And she loved taking pictures of them.
Mom, in her later years, revealed her resilience by having to work through two knee replacement surgeries over a few years. It didn’t slow her down much. She also struggled with an ever progressing Parkinson’s disease that hampered her greatly during the last years of her life. This was very hard for her but she still retained a sense of humour and endeavored to always make the best of it. After more than 63 years of marriage Harry passed away in November of 2019. Though a tremendous blow to Heidi, she pressed on, even through the Covid pandemic. She loved daily visits with Frank which involved having books read to her. She remained a learner to the last days of her life.
Heidi was released from her imprisoning physical existence on May 2, 2021, and we hope to enjoy her company again through the resurrection of Jesus Christ in whom Mom placed faith. “Until then Mom, we love you.”
Due to COVID-19 restrictions a Private Family Burial will take place at the Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery, the service is by invitation only. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com
Arrangements enrtrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299
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