Kirchmann, Elisabeth
(September 26th, 2023)
Elisabeth Kirchmann was a devoted Jehovah’s Witness member, who died on September 26, 2023, at the Trail BC Seniors Home. She was 89 years old.
She was born on April 18, 1934, the youngest of eight children, to the late Elisabeth Dewald and Johann Baumann, in Mannheim, Germany. She was born weighing 3 ½ pounds and beat the odds surviving infancy – an early indication of the tenacity and perseverance with which she lived her life. Her dream was to be a doctor, but alas, her parents did not agree.
In Germany, the 1960’s and early 1970’s, Elisabeth was a salesperson at Viernheim’s only department store. The customers were happy to be served by her, because she was always “made fun” of selling items. She later worked at a real estate agency office.
She loved to dress the part and always took pride in her appearance. She met Hans Ginter Kirchmann in Germany in 1973. Enchanted by her beauty, Hans persuaded Elisabeth to move to Edmonton.
Elisabeth married Hans Kirchmann on Nov 2, 1973, in Edmonton. Here she developed many new friendships, becoming a “Bonus Mom and Grandma” to some. In September, 1991 Elisabeth and Hans moved to Kaslo. Not only did she again find a new home, but many new friends. Elisabeth loved animals, as well always enjoying her pet dogs and cats.
Elisabeth was a devout Jehovah’s Witness all of her life, and she treasured time spent with her brothers and sisters in faith in loyal service to Jehovah God.
She started each day praying, “God guide my thoughts, my speech and my actions today!”
Elisabeth was talented at everything she tackled from sewing and gardening, to baking and cooking, to oil painting and playing her piano, Accordion and Harmonica. Many homes are graced with her El-Ba-Ki paintings and these will continue to bring memories of Elisabeth’s creativity to mind.
She loved travelling back to Germany to her family and friends.
Her friendly, generous nature along with her quick wit and beautiful laugh drew people to her, and she could light up any room with “her sparkle”.
Elisabeth was well-known to the Kaslo Business community, as part of her weekly errands downtown, she would always stop into the businesses and handout some Werthers candy for their staff.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Poplar Ridge Pavilion in Trail BC who made her as comfortable as possible over the 2 years that she was there.
“Although suffering through a myriad of health issues, Elisabeth’s faith and service to Jehovah never wavered ”. “All who knew her, knew about her love for and faith in Jehovah God.”
Elisabeth is survived by her 2 sisters Ceci, and Hedwig in Germany, and step-grandson, Thomas Uniat, of Kitchener, Ontario, as well as numerous relatives and friends back in Edmonton and Germany. She was predeceased by her husband Hans, in May, 2010 in Kaslo BC, and 3 sisters (Lina, Kathe, Helene), and 2 brothers (Hans, Alfred) in Germany.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, October 3 at 7 p.m. at the Thompson Funeral Home, in Nelson BC (613 Ward Street) and Graveside Services will be held on Wednesday, October 4 at 1:00 at the Kaslo Cemetery (312 Fourth Street).
After the Wednesday Graveside Services, a “Celebration of Life” remembering Elisabeth will be held at 1:30 pm at the Kaslo Seniors Hall (312 4th Street) with coffee /tea and sweets being served.
