We Remember

SCHARER, Mathilde (née Mezger)

February 5, 1925 — November 27, 2019

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mathilde Scharer (née Mezger) at the age of 94 on November 27, 2019 at Brookhaven Care Centre in West Kelowna, BC. Mathilde was the youngest of 5 daughters born to Christian and Elsa Mezger, on February 5, 1925 in Bernstadt, Germany. She is survived by her loving family of 6 children:  Marlene (James), Manfred (Debbie), Linda (Gerald), Herbert (Nellie), George (Barb), John (Anja); and by many grandchildren and great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and Barbara Hill and her family. Mathilde was predeceased by her husband Anton “Tony” in 2011; by her sisters Elsa, Helene, Martha, and Lydia; and in 2014 by her granddaughter Tammy Lynn Stevens.

Mom’s early life growing up in Germany had its many hardships, including the loss of her father during the war. She finished her schooling and apprenticed to become a tailor.  Years later Mathilde met her future husband while both were waiting for the train which took them to work in Stuttgart. They were married in Ulm, Germany on September 8, 1951 and by November 1951 she was on a ship with her husband, crossing the Atlantic to start a new life in a new country: Canada. The ship docked in Montreal and after a few days on a train they arrived in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

To support themselves Mom worked as a seamstress and Dad worked in construction.  In 1954 they purchased a farm in a small community called River Hills, Manitoba. They soon realized that their income had to be supplemented by other sources as the farm wasn’t producing enough to support the family. Mom then stayed on the farm to look after the cows and milking, raising children and tending to the large vegetable gardens while dad returned to work in Winnipeg. Mom worked hard to provide for her young family.  Her days started early and ended late into the evenings often sewing and mending clothes for her young children. As time passed, and what seemed as endless work to make a living, they grew the farm into a profitable egg- producing business.  By 1976 life on the farm was much improved and Mom enjoyed her first trip back to Germany, since leaving 25 years earlier, to visit family and friends.

Five years later, retirement brought Mom and Dad to the Okanagan, and not long after, Mom decided that it was time to build her dream home. She worked daily beside her husband to build that dream house.  Mom, again, put in endless hours to perfect the yard, planting flowers and trees and in 1991 won 1st runner up in the O.M.R.E.B. Beautiful Yard competition.  As the trees started to produce fruit Mom started making jams, preserves, fruit juices, and always made sure to share the bounty of her labours with her large family. Mom loved to have people over for dinners, sometimes up to 15 people, on birthdays and special occasions for family and friends. Mom did get to travel in her retirement and especially loved trips to Hawaii and Europe.

In 2004 the second phase of retirement began when Mom and Dad moved into Balmoral Resort Community in Kelowna.  Once again tending to her flower gardens but now Mom had more time to spend on her hobbies. Mom loved to knit and proceeded to knit afghans for the grandchildren and then for the great grandchildren and friends. She crocheted dollies and hanging hand towels to give away as presents. She loved jigsaw puzzles and always had one on the go. She loved to play tile rummy with family and friends and going for morning walks so she could feed breadcrumbs to the ducks along the way.  She also enjoyed baking for Christmas and other occasions and always made enough to give to family and friends.

The Family would like to thank the exceptional care aides and nurses at Brookhaven Care Centre that cared for Mathilde in her time of need.

Please join our family in a Celebration of Life which will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 1:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC, with a reception to follow. Should family and friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to The Canadian Cancer Society, www.bccancer.bc.ca.

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

Service
Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 1:00 pm

Location
Springfield Funeral Home

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The Canadian Cancer Society Link: www.bccancer.bc.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for SCHARER, Mathilde (née Mezger) is scheduled for Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 1:00 pm . 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:


Special Requests:

None.


Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Wendy Saxler says:

    Wonderful tribute to a wonderful lady. We enjoyed visiting with Auntie in Kelona and will miss her beautiful laugh and sense of humour.

  • Joyce Kopp says:

    Our deepest condolences to all the family. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. 🙏🏻

  • Jennifer Campbell says:

    So very sorry for your loss, Marlene. My sincere condolences to you, Jim and all of your family.

  • Wade+isabelle lovlin says:

    So sorry Linda to hear about your mom’s passing. Prayers and God thoughts to you and your Si so sorry

    So sorry to hear about your moms passing. Love and prayers to your beautiful family.

  • Gary and Susan Howk says:

    Dear Marlene, Manfred, Linda, Herbert, George and John. Please accept our deepest condolences to all of you for the passing of your Mom. I have many fond memories of both your mom and dad as we were very close neighbors. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

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