Kaspar (nee Zapf), Else

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our belovedmother, Else Kaspar (nee Zapf), at Mountain Lake Seniors Community.

Else is survived by her son Norbert (Ray Lynn), her daughter Karin, grandsons Nathan (Nicole) and Aaron (Natalie), great grandson Nash and sister Gretel Molinari as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Else was born in Bayreuth, Germany to Dorothea and August Zapf, the sixth of nine girls. From a very young age, she was known for her beautiful singing voice and often had to perform for audiences. Her father also insisted that she learn to play the violin. When her youngest sister died of leukemia, Else decided to become a nurse, a decision she never regretted. She completed her training in Germany and then travelled to Australia. There she married Eduard Kaspar. They moved to Mt. Isa, Queensland where their two children were born. Longing for a more moderate climate, the family moved to Canada in 1967. Else continued her nursing at Mount St. Francis Hospital where she worked for nearly 30 years. She loved nursing the elderly and found it hard to retire.

Else was always an active person and that continued into her retirement.  She kept a strong connection to her family in Germany and visited them as often as she could. Aside from time devoted to her family and friends, she was an avid walker, gardener and enjoyed being out in nature. Else was active in her church. She was rarely idle and spent her evenings reading, knitting, crocheting and doing other hand crafts. Her passion for music continued throughout her life. Else especially loved choral music and enjoyed singing in choirs and small groups.

Else also learned to play the piano as an adult, fulfilling a lifelong wish. In 2013, Else moved to Mountain Lake Seniors Community. Though she became infirm, she continued to enjoy all the musical events she attended and her foot would often still move to the music.

Else received such wonderful care at Mountain Lake and we would like to thank all the staff for looking after her so well and keeping her safe.

Special thanks also go out to her friends Maria, Fran and Sarah, whose visits enriched her life so much.

Else lived a life of faith with grace, wisdom and love. She will be sorely missed.

A private graveside service of Christian burial was held on December 4th with the Reverend Marcella Mugford presiding.