Brigitte Hey

June 3, 1928 - February 20, 2025

Died peacefully at Grace Village Care Pavilion, Sherbrooke, on February 20. Beloved wife of the late Antanas Daniliauskas, sister and sister-in-law to the late Inge and Dieter Scholz, much appreciated Tante Gitti to Barbara (Ian Upjohn) and Monique Scholz, great aunt to Derek Scholz (Virginie) and Thomas Upjohn (Mara); grande grande Tante Gitti to Anna and Alek.

The eldest daughter of Hilde Schmidt and Hans Hey, Brigitte was born in Abentheuer, Germany, and grew up in Annaburg. At the end of the war she fled west with her mother and sister and they settled in Friedberg. After post secondary secretarial training and English studies, she worked for the Office of U.S. High Commissioner for Germany in Friedberg for 5 years.

Brigitte immigrated to Canada in 1952 in the company of her sister and their mother. She had a long working career as executive secretary mainly for a succession of engineering firms in Montreal, ending with 15 years at SNC-Lavalin. A lifelong traveller, vacations during her single years included trips back to Germany, ski adventures in Quebec and Europe, and beach holidays in warmer climates.

Brigitte married Antanas in 1972 and they made a cosy home together in Verdun until his death in 2010. They travelled frequently to visit relatives in Germany and Lithuania, and enjoyed visiting historic sites and museums throughout Europe. At home, they valued being in nature, gardening, feeding the birds, and cycling and walking along the St Lawrence River, communing with the river.

A very curious, lively and sociable person, Brigitte maintained correspondence with numerous cousins in Germany and with Antanas’ relatives in Lithuania, as well as former work colleagues who moved away from Montreal. She cultivated loyal friendships with a small circle of women she met at the N.D.G.Tennis Club during her early years in Montreal. After her husband's death she participated in many of the programs and outings organized by the Westmount E.N.C.O.R.E. group and the Montreal Zoological Society. Brigitte took pleasure in an evening of music or a matinée at the opera. She loved an occasion to dress up, and in her later years was known for hosting her own birthday lunch at a favourite restaurant in Verdun.

In the last six years of her life she was challenged by progressive cognitive losses but throughout she retained her social graces and kindness and concern toward others.

Her nieces are very grateful to Cathy, who provided loving personal support during the pandemic years at the Selection - Ile des Soeurs Residence, and to all the excellent and compassionate nursing staff and care providers at Grace Village where she resided for the last two years of her life.

The family will have a private memorial gathering. Donations in her memory may be made to Grace Village Care Foundation,

1515, rue Pleasant View, Sherbrooke, QC J1M 0C6