HEESE, Liesel

January 1, 1970 — January 1, 1970

Went to be with the Lord on September 27, 2016 at the age of 76. Survived by her loving husband Henry, daughter: Marlene Heese of Vernon, BC, Monica (Greg) Schmidt of Kelowna, BC; grandchildren: Nicole (Thomas), Kayla, Janelle, Talea (Michael), Ryan, Kalista, Lydia; great grandchildren: Abigail, Lily, Rebekah and brother Peter (Pat) Reimer of Valemont, BC. Predeceased by her mother Johanna Reimer, father Erich Reimer and son William “Bill” Heese. Liesel was born in Gdansk, Poland in 1940, she fled to Germany in 1944 with her mother and some relatives. In 1951 they came to Canada and landed in Halifax at Pier 21, settled in Manitoba with her parents and brother through the sponsorship of MCC. Her family lived and helped farm with their sponsor family, they were later able to have their own farm. When she was in her teens the family moved to Winnipeg where she met Henry and they married in 1961. Their first daughter was born over a year later and shortly after the birth of their second daughter they moved to Prince Rupert.  She was a foster parent to several children while in Prince Rupert, and 5 years later she had a much wanted son. They made a moved to 100 Mile House 5 years later, where she took a job as a housecleaner and shortly after started to work as a homemaker. She worked her way up to a supervisor positions within the organization. They moved to Kelowna in 1992 so she could be closer to her ailing parents where she also volunteered as a home support worker for many years. She enjoyed reading and being outdoors.   Liesel spent many days working in her gardens, no matter where they lived and in her later years enjoyed going for walks early in the morning or with friends. Diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time in 1995, then again 6 years later, and then in 2010 found cancer metastasized to the liver. She refused to allow any of the diagnoses slow her down. She continued to care for others, and enjoyed life.  She often commented to the doctors that it was her faith that helped her to keep going, and she often wrote in journals verses that she found meaningful and what they meant to her.  Even when she was unable to go out and attend church she would be watching sermons on the TV, and would often have talks with her daughters about her faith. She was always available when her children and grandchildren needed her, she took care of her parents and son in their last days and even when she was feeling poorly she made sure everyone was looked after.   She enjoyed having family visits. She did not shy away from challenges and her 75th birthday present to herself she went skydiving. When she had something to accomplish nothing stood in her way. She knew what she wanted and would make sure it would happen.  Even in the end her wish was to die at home.   She did not want to suffer long and she died peacefully in her home surrounded by family. A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 3, 2016 at 10:30 am at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gideons, c/o 593 Spruceview Place South, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1S8 or Gospel for Asia – www.gfa.ca or a charity of your choice. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”

Service Details

The service for HEESE, Liesel is scheduled for Monday, October 3, 2016 at 10:30 am. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Springfield Funeral Home

2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC

Phone:

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Special Requests:

None.

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Funeral Pointers: