Margret Hermine Helene Schrader

Loving wife to predeceased Herman Schrader and predeceased son Martin Nasdala. She leaves behind step-daughter Kim and her husband Steve, and grandchildren Charlotte, Ashley and Jack in Vancouver. In Ottawa, she leaves behind her step-son Mark and his wife Fiona and granddaughter Amanda. In Germany she leaves behind her life-long friend Monika, and her goddaughter Christiane and her husband Rainer, as well as extended family and friends.

Margret was born in Hildesheim, Germany to Else and Otto, and was an only child. She grew up surrounded by World War II and survived several terrifying incidents. After the war she trained in animal husbandry in Scotland with her soon-to-be life-long best friend Monika. Margret married her first husband, Hans Gunter, when she was 25 years old. They settled in the nearby town of Peine and had a joyous baby boy who they adored and took on many trips. Her husband, a lawyer, rose to become the chief administrative official of the county. Their son Martin graduated to become an official in the local government. Eventually Margret and her first husband divorced in the 1970s. Margret met her second husband, Herman, at a social gathering of mutual friends while he was visiting Germany on vacation from Canada. After Herman determinedly courted Margret, she visited him in Canada and enjoyed the landscape and open spaces. She moved to join him in Toronto in the late 1970s and they later married. Her step-son Mark also lived with the couple during his teenage years. Margret and Herman had a passion for sailing, long walks, classical music concerts, entertaining a wonderful circle of friends, and travel. Travels included exploring many corners of Canada, returning to Germany almost yearly, as well as several trips to the Caribbean, USA, Europe, Thailand, and a safari to Africa that included climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. Margret volunteered with the Red Cross and the Meals on Wheels program for seniors and people with disabilities. She also enjoyed theatre, and acted in a production at the University of Toronto. In the early 2000s Herman began developing dementia and Margret lovingly cared for him. When he later moved to a care residence she visited him every day by walking or taking public transit no matter the weather. Her love for him was truly deep and unwavering. In 2016, several years after Herman’s passing, Margret moved to the White Rock area of Vancouver to be close to her step-daughter Kim and her family. She moved into the Westminster House retirement residence and developed friendships with several other residents and the staff. She continued with her passions of reading, writing, listening to classical music, going on outings and being surrounded by Kim’s extended loving family. Margret’s health eventually declined, and at the end of her life was inflicted by several ailments that could not be overcome.

Margret will be greatly missed for her positive attitude and outlook on life, her effervescent smile, quick wit, and sage advice. She leaves us with “Happy Tuesday” and is now resting in everlasting peace.