Gesine “Geshe” Helewa
79 years, from Parksville, B.C.
Passed away May 3rd, 2017
in Zurich, Switzerland
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our darling mother, sister, and grandmother (Oma) in Zurich, Switzerland on May 3rd, 2017.
Gesine was born in Rostock, Germany on September 29th, 1937. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 52 years, Antoine Helewa, and her first-born daughter, Maren, who died tragically in a car accident at the age of 20 years old on May 3rd, 1980.
Gesine is survived by her daughter, Petra Taylor (Gary) of Parksville, BC, sons Norman Helewa (Lynn) of Victoria, BC and Tarek Helewa of Nelson, BC; grandchildren, Corbyn Horning (Katherine), Spencer Horning (Karen), and Robert Helewa; siblings, Dr. Wolfe Skalweit (predeceased) (Grete), Dr. Dieter Skalweit (Elizabeth), Dr. Olga Monika Harndt, Kai Skalweit (Hannelore), and Heike Vezina (Hubert) (predeceased).
Mom and Dad shared a life full of excitement, raising their family while working professionally as Physiotherapists. Mom particularly enjoyed her peaceful life at the cottage in Huntsville, Ontario, cross-country skiing, kayaking, and playing tennis and golf with Dad. In the later years, they retired to Craig Bay in Parksville, BC and enjoyed their time together with friends and family, playing bridge, mah-jong, and hosting dinner parties.
We would like to extend many thanks to Dr. Robert Waite and his staff for their kindness, compassion, and understanding in taking such great care of Mom over the years.
We will be holding a celebration of Gesine’s life on
May 18th from 4:00-6:00 pm.
Please contact Petra Taylor at gttaylor@shaw.ca for directions and confirmation of your attendance.