Obituary of Gerda Homann

HOMANN – Gerda Ilse (nee Doerries) passed away peacefully on January 12, 2012 at the Palliser Regional Care Centre at the age of 85 years. Gerda was born on November 8, 1926 in Sievershausen in the province of Lower Saxony in Germany. She is survived by her son Manfred (Paulette) Homann of Winnipeg and daughter Angela (Bryan) Sawatzky of Waldeck. She is also survived by her grandchildren Julie (Stefan) Pacin, Krysta (David) Doerksen, Karla (Brady) Cairns and Matthew (Melissa) Sawatzky and great-grandchildren Lukas Pacin, Aleksandra Pacin, Josiah Doerksen, Mila Cairns and Esme Cairns. She is predeceased by her loving husband of 62 years, Fred Homann in 2011, her parents Heinrich and Hermine Doerries, an infant son in 1951 and infant granddaughter in 1989. She was the oldest of 4 children all of whom along with their families are still living in Germany. Gerda and Fred were married on August 21, 1948 and in 1953 they left Germany and immigrated to Canada. In 1960 Gerda and Fred bought a farm south of Gull Lake which they farmed until moving to Swift Current in 1980. The first few years were difficult and lonely with learning a new language and living so far away from the rest of her family in Germany but she loved her new home in Canada. Gerda and Fred enjoyed taking several trips back to Germany over the years to get reacquainted with their siblings, nieces, nephews and friends. They also enjoyed travelling to Europe, Hawaii and Mexico on several holidays. Gerda became very involved with the ladies auxiliary of the Alliance Church in Gull Lake when she lived there. Gerda enjoyed gardening and took pride in her flower gardens which she won awards for in Swift Current. She was a great homemaker but her greatest joy and love was babysitting her grandchildren and taking them on vacations in their motorhome. She made many lasting memories for her family who will miss her greatly. The funeral service and interment will be announced at a later date in April 2012. Donations in Gerda’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. For further information or to sign the family book of condolences, visit our website at www.parksidefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in care of Parkside Memorial Funeral Home.