Judith Josefa Firtl
October 3, 1931 – July 18, 2012
Triumphed over cancer once but could not defeat it again, valiant and determined though she was to the end. Judith began slipping away on July 16th, the second anniversary of the death of her beloved husband, Ernest Firtl, and died at Moog & Friends Hospice House in Penticton two days later. She leaves her daughter, Debbie Gerrits, granddaughter Emma Jaffe-Gerrits, both of Summerland, her sister, Viktoria Valenta, nephew Roman, niece Eva-Maria, and grandnieces Yamuna and Viviane, all of Vienna as well as many dear friends in Austria, Canada, the United States and Australia. Born in Vienna in 1931, the hard times of World War II in Europe found her scrounging for food and taught her lifelong lessons of resourcefulness and frugality but also imbued her with a zest for life. Immediately after the war when she was just 17 she met her “Ernst” on the Danube. The young couple immigrated to Canada two weeks after her 20th birthday, landing on October 18, 1951 with $40 between them and settled in Ontario. The early years were tough and included maid’s work and tobacco harvesting. Judy and Ernest were married on the first anniversary of their arrival in Canada on October 18, 1952 and remained a happy, vital, adventurous and inseparable couple for 58 years. They bought their first home in Ajax in 1957 where Debbie was born the following year. Judy worked for and eventually became the plant manager of a textile company. Judith and Ernest built their dream home in Uxbridge when Ernest retired from IBM in 1983 and seven years later when Judy retired she and Ernest moved to Summerland where in 1990 they built a lovely home on Canyon View Road. During their Ontario years Judy and Ernest camped and boated constantly and in BC they loved to travel, cross country ski and walk hand-in-hand. Judy was an accomplished seamstress and pattern maker, did amazing knitting and intricate crocheting and loved to entertain, cook and bake. She volunteered for years at the Ladies’ Auxiliary thrift store in Summerland. The Firtl’s beautiful garden was a cheerful haven for birds throughout the year and a cool oasis for family and friends on hot Okanagan summer days. Judy’s cherished granddaughter Emma practically grew up in that loveliest of back yards, under the ever watchful eye of her Omi. A consummate rummy tiles player, Judy loved to share her favourite game with everyone who showed interest – and there were lots of them – but, except on rare occasions, few of her pupils managed to beat her. This set is for you Omi! Heartfelt thanks to the staff at Moog House for taking such good care of Judy. In memory of Judy, friends are invited to send condolences to http://providencefuneralhomes.com and consider making a donation to Moog & Friends Hospice House. For details see http://www.pentictonhospice.com. Judith and Ernest will be interred together at a private graveside service in Canyon View Cemetery Summerland BC. Condolences my be directed to the family through www.providencefuneralhomes.com
And Flights of Angels Sing Thee to Thy Rest
Providence Funeral Homes “Summerland’s Rosedale Chapel” 250-494-7752