January 15, 1927 ~ September 2, 2021
With great sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Gisela Delfing. The saddest day and yet also a day to cherish as Gisela is now at peace. Her prayers answered: For God to take her to Heaven, to take away her pain.
Gisela leaves behind her three children, Wolfgang Delfing (Carole), Sonja Gauthier (Don) and Diana Huynen (Ron), step granddaughters Sandi (Kyle) and Laura (David), great grandchildren Jaxon, Ella, Mila and Monroe. At 94, predeceased by many, including her sister, Karolina Voth, in 1993, Tante Gisela leaves nieces, Rosemary and Lorraine.
Gisela’s strength and determination started early, growing up in Germany before the family migration to Canada, the move to Winnipeg, the start of her career as an accountant and raising her children. Her goal was always to do best for her children. To the very end, Mama would always say “I love my babies more than anything in the world”. We are so proud she cared so much to guide us to be smart, strong and kind.
Gisela was a woman ahead of her time. A mother, wife, managing a home was full time; as was her career as an accountant. Gisela worked in many accounting positions, working for different businesses, eventually managing departments, turning focus to family construction company startup and managing most operations for years. And in retirement years, worked for Canada Revenue Agency and volunteered in Tax prep programs. Gisela also focused on community, involved with German Society of Winnipeg, Folkorama, Camp Neustadt, to name a few.
Gisela’s strong mind always challenged us to be our best; her strong heart cherished us and nurtured us; and combined, guided to be honest, have integrity, to be true and have faith.
Gisela decided to move to Concordia Place Personal Care Home when her body failed her. Amusingly, again, our Mama’s strength and independence to choose the best, Concordia Place, it was. Our greatest appreciation to the most caring health care team. Every day, Gisela, would say thank you to so many amazing nurses, health care aides, support staff and Rec Director. We, her children, have said the same, time and time again and now today, express our deepest gratitude to all that loved her too. You are all truly great Blessings on this earth.
Flowers are beautiful and Gisela asked to plant one if you like to remember her but please donate to help others, to your favorite charity or The Concordia Place Foundation endowed to the Recreation department or the Chaplain. It was her last wish.
7 thoughts on “Gisela Delfing”
Diana, Sonya and Wolfgang
Your Mother was a special woman and such a good friend to my Mother, Alexina Jorgenson. I will always remember your Mom as a kind, compassionate lady. Sincere condolences
Vella Park
As my “lake-neighbour” for many decades, Gisela was always the smart, determined light that shone in my life. She was the first woman of her German immigrant community who showed me a woman could be more than a ‘hausfrau.’ Thank you Gisela.
Although I know the last few years have been hard, I’m sure her passing has left a rift for you Sonja, Diane and Wolfgang. I send you my deepest sympathies.
Diana, Sonya & Family
I am so sorry of the passing of your Mother, I feel blessed having met her on many of our family functions that we had.
She was always so kind and warm towards me, and she always had some great stories to tell me.
She will be truly missed.
Wolfgang, Sonja & Diana,
What can I say about Tante Gisela that hasn’t been said. The memories of her will always be with you guys in your hearts. I remember times at the cabin when it was raining, your mom teaching us how to play crib and 7 up and down. Her walking Bronco at the beach every Saturday night. Her helping me over the phone with my math problems that I couldn’t get when no one was home to help me understand it (business math). Her keeping us in line many times and having BEEP at your birthday parties. She will be sorely missed by many. I am sorry that I didn’t get to see her more in the end. My deepest condolences to the whole family, and remember she is now a peace with her sister, mom and dad, and the in-laws as well.
Benita
Sonya, Diana and Wolfgang,
My sincere condolences on the passing of your dear mom. I have fond memories of her, she was always very kind to me. The last few conversations I had with her before her health failed, she was so pleasant and was always interested in other people. I know she’ll be missed by all of you, but she is now at peace. Cherish the memories, they last forever.
Ingrid
My thoughts are with you all.
Your Mom was always interested in what was happening outside her sphere. Even while at Concordia she would ask Marissa’s friend Lindsey how things were going with Marissa. I know Lindsey liked having her as a patient.
I thought I would go through my photos and find one of her. The attached is NY Eve 1971. This may have been the year your parents gave me a tooled leather handbag for Christmas. I loved that purse. As always when it comes to gifts, I am sure that the female of the family, your Mom, was the one responsible for the choice. She obviously chose well, as 50 years later I still remember it.
I am glad she is no longer in pain. Here’s to meeting again!
Uschi
Dear Diana, Sonja, Wolfgang, and family,
Your Mom was always a bright spot in our lives. The first time we remember meeting her was at the cottage. She was determined that everyone there should feel welcomed, comfortable, and spoiled, and that we did! We had a fantastic time, and remember it to this day! She was a remarkable woman with an intellect that was enthralling. It was always such a pleasure to be in her company and witness the love and the pride she had for her children, her grandchildren, and her great grandchildren. She had an incredibly generous and warm heart, those traits which are so evident in all of you. I feel so lucky that we had the opportunity to have her in our lives. She will be so sadly missed. Our sincerest condolences to you all.