Ilse von Hertzberg, known to us as Mom or Omi, was a small but wonderfully feisty woman with a huge heart. She passed away on Thursday, March 15, 2018, at the age of 89 years, after a long struggle with dementia.

Ilse Hedwig Cordula Kilp was born in Güstrow, Germany on November 2, 1928, the oldest of 6 children. She married Detlev Carl von Hertzberg on October 20, 1951 and immigrated to Canada in 1959 to start a new life with Carl and their two children: Cibylla and Bert. Ilse and Carl worked long and hard to build a happy and successful life for their family, and two more children, Richard and Patricia, arrived later. They began their Canadian life in Kingston, ON and moved to Grande Prairie, AB in 1977.

Ilse loved her family, taking long daily walks with Carl and the many dogs they owned, the flowers they grew especially her roses, and eating the vegetables grown in their garden. Our family will always remember Mom saying “Oh, I ate too much – but it tasted so good” after eating a great meal. Her favourite word, though, was “beautiful.” It was something she continued to say long after she became unable to speak regularly.

Ilse was passionate about her work at the Youth Assessment Centre in Grande Prairie for 10 years. She was a powerful advocate for children her entire life. She also deeply appreciated the friendship of many of her colleagues.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Cibylla (Steven), Bert (Sally), Richard (Hilary), and Patrica (Mike); grandchildren: Peter (Erin), Jason (April), Eric (Danielle), Eva, Melanie (Curt), Curtis (Dani), Elisa, Ryan (Ashley), Jennifer, Haley, Hannah, Sarah and Jacob; 12 great-grandchildren; as well as extended family in Germany.

Ilse was predeceased by her parents Paul and Lotte Kilp, sister Renate, and brother Paul. She lost the love of her life, our dad, Carl, her husband of 55 years, in 2006.

Ilse’s family would like to thank the staff of the Hythe Continuing Care Centre for the wonderful care and comfort of Mom over the last 10 years.

There will not be a formal service. A private celebration of Ilse’s life will be held at a later date off the coast of Vancouver when, as she and Carl wished, her ashes will be spread in the Pacific Ocean along with those of her beloved husband.

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, the family requests that you donate to a charity of your choice in Ilse’s name.