Tribute

GNEIST, Anita Ermelinde

Anita passed peacefully on Monday, December 3, 2018 at the age of 90. She is survived by her daughter Liane (Glen) Voormeij, former son-in-law Peter (Mary), granddaughters: Tanya (Jim), Danae, and Lisa, great grandchildren: Robin, Thomas, Eva, Nina, and Sadie. Anita (Szivos) was born south of Vienna, Austria in 1928. She was married in May, 1949 to Joseph Gneist. They immigrated to Montreal, Canada in the early 1950s. Anita worked as a banker for many years. She had an active social life. Anita and Joe lived in Quebec for about 30 years before moving to Peachland, BC in 1985. In 2005 they moved across the lake to Kelowna. Anita was a wonderful cook who enthusiastically hosted dinner parties for family and friends. People will remember her delicious wiener schnitzel and strudels. She also enjoyed travelling and spending time with family. Holidays were especially important to her. She always looked forward to Christmas and to Easter egg hunts with her grandchildren. In 2016 Anita  moved to Kaslo, BC to be closer to her daughter Liane. She loved the mountain scenery and small-town life.

We will miss her determination and her positive attitude to life.

Anita is predeceased by her devoted husband Joe, to whom she was married for 62 years. She is also predeceased by her brothers Erich and Kurt.

“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.”

the Dalai lama

We would like to thank Doctor Lisa Sawyer, the caring staff at Kootenay Lake Hospital, and the Nelson and District Hospice Society for their kind support.

In lieu of flowers and cards please make donations to your local hospice society.