We Remember

HALSKOV, Maria “Isabel” (née Schmoll)

July 17, 1932 — September 15, 2025

Born on the Canary Islands where her father had an import/export business, Isabel, and family were obligated to return to Germany at the outbreak of WW2 and resided in the Lünen area. Around 1954, Isabel married (Scholtz) in Africa (Namibia) and brought Susanna and Martina into the world. In February 1962, the young family came to Canada, making their residence in Thompson, MB, in harsh conditions, to be sure.

Not long after, the family moved to Calgary and finally settled in Canal Flats, BC in 1964 and Michael was born the following year. Isabel’s first husband died in late 1965, leaving Isabel widowed with three youngsters and a poor command of English. Luckily, she met a local Cranbrook resident, Eric Halskov, a well-known businessman in the Kootenay’s and a former Flight Sergeant with the RCAF – which always made for interesting conversations around the dinner table! The pair had much in common and would later marry, with Eric adopting mom’s children as his own.

Together, Isabel and Eric raised the kids and built a successful real estate appraisal business, which operated from the family home at Moyie Lake. Eric passed away in 1988 and Isabel remained at the lake until 2006 when she sold the house and moved to Chemainus on Vancouver Island. Isabel built a “beach cottage” for herself because she wanted to be near the ocean, which reminded her of summer holidays spent at the North Sea with her grandmother. Mom spent her days gardening, reading, and keeping up on current affairs thanks to her “friends” at CBC Radio and CBC TV – both part of her Canadian education for over six decades. Isabel developed many friendships while in Chemainus and her door was always open for those who dropped in to have a coffee and a bite of baked goodies – Isabel was a fine cook and baker!

In 2022, Isabel’s health took a turn, and the family moved her to Sun Pointe Village (assisted living) in Kelowna. Isabel adjusted well to her new surroundings, but there were signs her health was declining. Isabel passed quietly and with dignity, surrounded by family, on September 15, 2025. Isabel was predeceased by her younger sister, Meckel, and leaves three children, Michael (Debi), Martina (Gerry), Susanna; and two grandchildren, Peter and Michael.

The Halskov family would like to thank Dr. Ismail (Duncan) and the Oncology Specialists at the BC Cancer Clinic (Victoria), as well as Dr. Sava (West Kelowna), the wonderful Staff and Care Aides at Sun Pointe Village who provided quality care to our mom. Thanks also to Interior Health, Kelowna General Hospital and the David Lloyd Jones Home for their guidance and care as mom’s condition worsened. Also, many thanks to Brian, Sherry, Don, and Noreen (Chemainus) for being good friends and neighbours to our mom and for checking in on her when we were not able – words cannot adequately express our appreciation for all your help.

A private family celebration of life will be held on a later date, in lieu of a service.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Isabel’s memory may consider a donation to the BC Cancer Society or the Alzheimer Society of BC.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.

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BC Cancer Society or Alzheimer Society of BC Link: www.bccancer.bc.ca, www.alzheimer.ca/bc/en

 


 


Condolences

  • Jamie Frazer says:
    September 17, 2025 at 9:05 pm

    Suzanne, Martina, Michael and family, my thoughts are with you all
    Much love from Jamie

    Reply
  • Andrew Grundy says:
    September 22, 2025 at 10:07 pm

    Please accept our sincere condolences. Your Mom was a lovely lady, always ready with a smile and a welcome at the Halskov home at Moyie. I remember her cooking the most delicious foods and home made chocolate as well. She was a very classy lady with a great sense of humour, and a really kind person. Our hearts are with you all at this difficult time, The Grundy family, White Rock BC.

    Reply
  • Brian and Sherry says:
    September 26, 2025 at 9:10 am

    We have fond memories of coffee and conversation with Isabel. She was always well informed and interested in current events. She spoiled us with Prune Pancakes, Streusel and yummy coffee. Isabel is in our hearts for her generosity, sense of humour and kindness. Brian and Sherry

    Reply
  • Cheryl Linton says:
    October 26, 2025 at 11:41 am

    Isabel was amazing to talk with, share experiences and hear her memories. I enjoyed our debates, how eloquent she was, and how she spoke German. It was beautiful how she loved her friends and family. I will Miss her and was privileged to know her.
    My deepest condolences to all who cherished her. With Love, her friend, Cheryl Linton

    Reply
  • Cheryl Linton says:
    October 26, 2025 at 3:59 pm

    Isabel was amazing to talk with, share memories, and to have take on a good debate. . My deepest condolences to all who cherished her.
    She is Missed.
    With Love, Cheryl
    🍂💛🍂

    Reply

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