We Remember

SEEWALD, Gerda Erika
April 12, 1942 — July 17, 2025
With deep faith and peaceful resignation, Gerda Erika Seewald entered into eternal rest on July 17, 2025, at the age of 83. She was surrounded by the love and presence of her family in her final moments, just as she had surrounded them with care and devotion throughout her life.
Gerda was born on April 12, 1942, in the Sudetenland, then a German colony, now part of Czechia. She lost her parents at an early age, and she grew in resilience and strength during these years. As a young woman, she met the love of her life, Rudy, in Allensbach, Germany. They married and began a shared journey that would span 61 beautiful years.
After 2 years of being married and living in Germany, adventure made them take the big step of immigrating to Canada, where they lived in all provinces from Ontario and west, as well as the Yukon. Work also took them to many corners of the world including Peru, British Guyana, Chile, and Mongolia. Finally, they settled for good and retired in the Okanagan in West Kelowna, BC.
Gerda was the proud and loving mother of two daughters, Evelyn and Sabina. Her family was the centre of her world, and she delighted in their company and accomplishments.
A devout Catholic, Gerda was a cherished member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in West Kelowna, where her faith was not only expressed in worship but lived daily through acts of service and love. She was an active member of the Catholic Women’s League, Militia Immaculata, and the Marian Movement, offering her time and talents generously. Her spiritual life was the quiet foundation of all she did.
Beyond her faith and family, Gerda embraced life’s joys. She loved travel: visiting her daughters in New Zealand, and she spent many a winter abroad. One of her highlights was her ability to experience Medugorje. She also loved music and was a long-time member of both the Liedertafel and German Club, where she enjoyed singing and celebrating her cultural heritage. She was an enthusiastic card player: Bridge, choochoo, and Canasta were among her favourites, and her laughter often filled the room during games with friends.
We will miss her generous, fun-loving personality.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the charity of your choice, in honour of Gerda’s life of kindness and generosity.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.
Prayers will be offered for Gerda at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2547 Hebert Rd, West Kelowna, BC, on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM. All who wish to come and pray with the family are warmly welcome.
A Funeral Mass, presided by Father Cerlouie Jimenez, will follow on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 11:00 AM (PDT), at the same church. A reception will take place after the Mass. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed at the time of the Mass, and a recording will be available within 3–5 days.
Live O Triune God, so to live in me,
That all I do be done by Thee,
That all I think and all I say be Thy
Thoughts and Thy words this day.
Dear God, help me to make this day
The best day of my life.
Dear Lord, call me when You are ready.
Lord Jesus make me ready when You call.
LIVESTREAM LINK (CLICK HERE)
Prayer Service
Monday, July 28, 2025, at 6:00 pm (PDT)
Service
Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 11:00 am (PDT)
Location
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
Our sincere condolences Rudy to you and your family.
We were very saddened to find out that your beautiful Gerda has passed away. She will be missed by all who knew her..
We wish you strength during this difficult time.
Carl & Annie. Misseghers.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Sabina and Tony, Evelyn and Alistair and Rudy. Will be thinking of you all from here in NZ on Tuesday xxx
Heartfelt condolences to Sabina and Tony, Evelyn and Alistair and Rudy. Gerda was a vibrant women who brought a large smile and loud laughter to any space! She made all “the German gatherings” in Winnipeg fun for me as a kid as she brought her dynamo spirit. Later as an adult she welcomed us to her home in Kelowna to share old memories. Her memory will live on in all of us!
Rudy and girls,
What a life Gerda lived. She was so kind, funny, and sweet. She lived life to its fullest and we will remember her in our hearts. Love to you. Pat and Mike
Oh Rudy and Girls, I am so saddened by your loss of one wonderful lady. ..Our families have such a history back into the 70’s as friends and neighbours. I have so wanted to reconnect since I was invited by you when Evelyn came to visit. We have struggled here as well, thus my opportunity is now gone. I loved Gerdas warmth and hospitality. I will always regret not reaching back out to you both. Sending much love to you all in comfort.
Chris & Robert Klaus
To Rudy, Sabina, Evelyn, and the family, our sincerest condolences at this sad time. We very much enjoyed meeting Gerda and Rudy in New Zealand and our thoughts are very much with you as you farewell this gracious lady. Remember the good times together. Noel & Carol.
Dear Rudy:: our love and sympathy to you and your girls. We so enjoyed your friendship and company in Thunder Bay, Mexico and Arizona..We always hoped to see you again.. It’s hard to believe that our friendship started by you two admiring our Airedale dog and us inviting you two to play in our bridge club😊. This was at Silver Islet.
Hugs and prayers to you.
Love Sandy and Jack
Our sincere condolences to Sabina, Tony, Evelyn & Alistair, Rudy and family. May cherished memories of Gerda bring you comfort and peace. Keeping you in our thoughts & prayers. Hugs. Kim & Steve
Unser herzlichstes Beileid vom plötzlichen Ableden von Gerda. Schade, dass wir sie in Deutschland nicht mehr gesehen haben. Das tut uns sehr Leid.
Liebe Grüße aus Bayreuth
Ingrid und Werner