January 17, 1949 – April 8, 2016

Hertha, “BIG H”, joined the Eternal Party on April 8th, 2016!  Hertha’s mantra, “I was born to praise God” only grew stronger with her December 31st diagnosis of cancer.  In many ways, she lived her last 14 weeks as she had lived her whole life – only bigger (as her self-appointed nick name suggests).  She lived with bigger love, greater joy, incredible courage and an ever-rising hope and trust in God and His will for her life.  It was with absolute determination that she chose to live with passionate joy, seeing more clearly than ever before that life truly is a gift from God.  Until the end, Hertha’s power-filled spirit pointed all towards God and every single bedtime prayer included nothing but gratitude and the request that God would help her to not complain.  She was in her home, surrounded by her loved ones who were holding her close and praying out loud when her soul took flight.

Her spirit will live on through her 3 daughters; Alisa, Patricia (Bruce) and Shari; her 6 grandchildren; D.J. (Brandy), Jordan, Josh, Joey, Gabriella and River as well as her great-granddaughter Ava.  Hertha was incredibly blessed by the love and support of her 10 older siblings who all share her walk of faith; Margaret, Henry (Joyce), John (Elsie), Helen (Franz), Walter (Lydia), Charolette, Hilda (George), Rudy (Louise), Elvera, and Elfrieda (George). She was deeply loved by her sisters of the heart, Nadine & Sandy and by her family in Al-A-non whom she credits for “saving her life” many times over. She is predeceased by her parents Henry and Maria Redekop and Flo and Jim Moan.

During an incredibly special early morning hospital visit with her grandson Josh, grandma provided a lesson in finances … “Josh, money is awesome! We need it for everything – housing, food, clothes, travel …  Aside from that though, money can make you happy, very happy IF you give it away.  So, the first thing you do when you get your allowance is to put 10% in a jar and then pray and wait for God to tell you who to give it to.  It doesn’t matter how much you have in the jar, God can do the same thing with your $2.00 as he can with $2 million.  Even now, I can’t wait to tithe!”

In lieu of flowers, it would be Hertha’s wish that you would instead put the money in a jar, pray and wait for the Lord to direct your gift.  Be blessed!

“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

It was Hertha’s request that her Celebration of Life be held in Calgary – halfway between her family in BC and her family and friends in PA.  The celebration will be held on Saturday April 16th at 11 am at Rockpointe Church – 12 Bowridge Drive, North West, Calgary.  

• Date : 2016-04-08