August 30, 1932 - August 16, 2020
It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of our most beautiful mother, Alice Hirschkorn, on the evening of Sunday, August 16th, 2020 in the Pleasant Valley Manor at the age of 87 years.
Alice was preceded in death only last December by her dear husband, Helmut, whom she was so happily married to for 66 years. Those left behind to lovingly remember Alice are her three children, Heide Hirschkorn, Hilde (Roman Royko) Hirschkorn and Kelly Hirschkorn; her granddaughter, Jessica Hirschkorn; her great-granddaughter, Summer; two nephews, Andreas (Stephanie) Hirschkorn and Rolf (Joanne) Hirschkorn; brother-in-law, Viktor Hirschkorn; sister-in-law, Christel Hirschkorn; two nieces, Angelika Lobitz and Ingrid Lobitz, both in Germany; and extended family members in Calgary, Alberta.
Mom was born Alice Engel in Neu-Danzig, Ukraine, her maiden name translated in English means "Angel" and that is genuinely who she was - an angel on earth. She grew up during the turmoil of WWII and fled to Germany at the age of ten, where she lived until she immigrated to Canada in 1952. As a young woman, Alice first settled in Calgary, Alberta where she worked at a few bakeries and then a popular restaurant called 'The Wave'. Perhaps it was here that she first fell in love with the art of cooking and baking, because she was definitely a master at both! Alice met her future husband, Helmut on the city bus one day on her way to work, they fell in love instantly and were married in Calgary on December 12th, 1953. Alice moved to Vernon, B.C. with her family in 1964 where she and Helmut bought their beloved orchard/farm in the BX. Her home had an 'open door' concept where she always warmly welcomed everyone; family, relatives, friends and her many loyal fruit customers! Mom was truly an expert cook in the kitchen, forever creating an endless variety of goodies; delicious meals, fancy desserts and marvellous canning from both her garden and orchard produce. Alice adored her flourishing, huge vegetable garden and her abundant roses and flowers flourished too for she truly possessed a 'robust green thumb'. She also had a creative, natural talent for sewing, knitting, crocheting and loved music and dancing. Alice had a special place in her heart for all animals, especially her precious chickens. During the 1980's she was happily dedicated to her job at the Rump and Sendall Hatchery where she worked for many years shipping newly hatched chicks all around the Province. To our Dad's dismay, Mom couldn't resist forever bringing home the 'left-over' ones who needed a home.
Alice adored Canada, especially the Okanagan Valley and proudly became a Canadian citizen on June 23rd, 1983. Our sweet Mom had a terrific sense of humour, was a hard working perfectionist, and always looked upon life with strength and positivity.
In respecting Alice's request, she was cremated and a celebration remembering the lives of both her and Helmut will take place next Spring.
We, Alice's family, extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the kind and incredibly dedicated nurses and staff at the Pleasant Valley Manor in Armstrong. You all looked after Mom in her last year of life with the greatest care, love and respect and we recognize this was especially challenging during these times of COVID. We would also like to thank Dr. Bill Lemiski, Judy and Patty for all the years of support you showed Alice and our family.
"We love you Mom. You will forever be in our hearts and you truly are an angel now...."
Cremation arrangements were made with
Bethel Funeral Chapel Ltd.,
5605-27th Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 8Z5
250-542-1187