Hannelore Becker-Kierstead, lovingly known as Hanna, resident of Grande Prairie, formerly of Courtenay, British Columbia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 15, 2017, at the Grande Prairie Care Center at the age of 79 years, with family at her side.

Hanna was born in Menden, West Germany, to Johanna and Karl Runte, and two sisters, Lydia and Gabrielle, who still reside in Germany.

There are so many stories we could all tell about Hanna. The stories of her childhood in Germany, how she helped her parents run a photo shop and camera store in Hemer. Funny stories, like the one of her chasing a Mercedes down the autobahn in a Volkswagen beetle because he ticked her off. The story of her meeting a handsome Wilhelm Becker who later became a Oberst-Leutnant in the German Army. How he suddenly passed away a few short years later; leaving her with 2 young sons to raise. How she moved to Canada, lived, worked and made friends in Peace River, AB. The story of how she re-married and soon after divorced. She took care of business as hard as it was for her being alone, in Canada, with her sons. And then the story of how she found the love of her life, Alex Devlin.

Hanna and Alex enjoyed many years together, living in beautiful British Columbia, traveling, competing in ballroom dance competitions, taking care of their little dogs, and going on dates, even if it was only to the White Spot. Hanna was a talented woman. She could paint beautiful works of art, knit and sew her own clothes. She handmade her own stunning black ballroom competition gown. She could socialize and entertain with the best. She cooked fantastic meals, and treated her visitors like royalty. She was truly a classic doting wife, loving hands-on mom, hardworking, meticulous housekeeper, loyal sister, daughter and a super cool friend, a classy, beautiful woman who wasn't shy to show a little sass.

Hanna was predeceased by her parents Karl and Johanna, her first husband Wilhelm, and most recently, the love of her life, Alex Devlin.

She will be sadly missed by her two sons: Ralph (Laurie), and Klaus (Suzanne); grandchildren: Darian, Keenan, Keiler, Kirsa and Niklaus; two sisters: Gabrielle (Volker), Lydia (Heinz); nieces and nephews: Susanna and Marcus, Jutte and Stephan; as well as many more relatives from her home in Germany.

The family would like to give a huge “Thank You” to nurses Jen and Becky, who were with mom the day she passed. Their kindness and patience was a God-send for us when we didn’t know what to do. We will forever be grateful to Dr. Ojodun, all the wonderful staff at the Grande Prairie Care Center and the amazing staff at the Autumn Lodge in Berwyn for the loving care and attention she received in the last few years.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Grande Prairie Care Center (9705 94 Ave. Grande Prairie, AB T8V 3A2 Memo: Act of Kindness – Hannelore Becker-Kierstead).