Tribute

Hermine Susanna Pfister (née Geierhaas) passed away quietly and peacefully on August 24, 2021. She was predeceased by her husband Otto and son Michael, and is survived by daughters Monika (Richard) and Barbara, six grandchildren (Franz, Ian, Paul, Andrew, Maria and Kayla (Jason)) and two great-grandchildren (Kolbi and Isabella). Hermine was born on December 19, 1928 in Nussloch, a small town near Heidelberg in Germany, and came to Powell River in November 1951 to join her fiancé Otto who had arrived in advance to find work in the mill. After travelling alone all the way from Germany to be met in Vancouver by Otto, Hermine arrived in Powell River late at night and woke in the morning to the glorious view across the Straits. She felt that she had arrived at the most beautiful place in the world. Otto and Hermine were married on April 19, 1952 and quickly settled into their new life, raising a family and making many connections with various community groups. Having been a seamstress in Germany, Hermine was a founding member in Powell River of the German community sewing group, the Hägel Büdel. Hermine was a woman of wonder, sustained and uplifted by her deep faith, with a lightness of spirit, a joy of life, and an infectious smile that made quick contact with people of all ages. She was a devoted parishioner of the Assumption Catholic Church and longtime member of the Catholic Women’s League. Hermine always had a kind word to say to anyone and her daughters became used to her complimenting even complete strangers. The family would like to thank the staff at both Willingdon Creek Village and Powell River Home Support who have provided such wonderful support and respite care over the last 10 years. Also, a heartfelt thank you to Leiane Huetzelmann who gave such loving care to our mum over the years.