Fuss, Lydia Anne
(May 3rd, 2024)
October 25, 1929 – May 3, 2024
Lydia was born in Ukraine to German parents – Adolf and Emilie (Kruger) Bonkowsky. She was the third child after brothers, Leo and Alexander. Her youth was marked by the challenges of wartime in Europe. Her family was separated and she worked with her mother in Germany.
As a young woman, she came to Canada and settled in the Wetaskiwin area where she worked as a nanny. This is where she met her future husband, Reinhold Fuss, a farmer son of German immigrants. Lydia worked hard to sponsor her mother, Emilie, and brother, Alexander, to come to Canada.
Lydia and Reinhold started their farm and grew their family. They had three children – Leonard, Nea and Marc.
Lydia was active in her church and community. She was very artistic and creative being especially accomplished at sewing, upholstery, knitting and crocheting. Lydia also took cake decorating classes and began to decorate wedding cakes. She became well known and sought after for her beautiful cakes.
When the children were grown, they sold the farm and Lydia moved to Lethbridge. There she continued to make cakes as well as enjoying her garden. She also loved travelling with friends and seeing her family and grandchildren.
Her faith was very important to her and she enjoyed volunteering with her church and community soup kitchen.
As she aged, she moved to Nelson BC to be closer to family. Thank you to the staff at Mountain Lake who ensured her care in her later years.
Lydia was predeceased by her parents, brothers, former husband, Reinhold Fuss, son, Marc Fuss and grandson, Nicholas Fuss.
Remembered by her children, Leonard Fuss (Cathy) and Nea Ellingsen as well as grandchildren: Brendan Fuss, Darren Fuss (Mackenzie Hope), David Ellingsen (Cera) and Graham Ellingsen (Amanda).
A private burial has taken place in the Nelson Memorial Cemetery.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to your favourite charity.
