Hilma Schuh

It is with great sadness that the family of Hilma Schuh announce her passing on April 8, 2022 at the age of 87. Hilma was predeceased by her husband Emil, mother Olga, and father August Horn, as well as her sister Selma Eichler. She was survived by her daughter Ingrid (Rob) Stevenson of Summerland, BC, son Peter Schuh of Balfour, BC, and daughter Carmen (Owen) Bunnah of Vernon, BC; grandchildren Natalie (Ali), Michael (Kiera), Tristen, Keegan, Brandon, Drew (Vero), Tanya, and Kelly; great grandchildren Kate and Jake, Jaxon, Zach, and Skylar, as well as her sisters Erika (Richard) Prinz of Germany, Adina (Clay, deceased) Gabler of Virginia, USA, and many nieces and nephews.

Hilma’s family were German settlers, living in Cerjuwke, Ukraine, where she was born in 1935. Growing up as the Russian army spread west, it was a trying childhood, with the family always on the run. Ultimately they escaped to Germany, where she met the love of her life, Emil at a refugee camp in the Bavarian town of Hof. In 1954, Emil joined some of his cousins and siblings in Canada, ending up in Edmonton with only $15.00 in his pocket. Soon after, Hilma followed, and to avoid deportation back to Europe, they were required to marry within 30 days of her arrival. Hilma took a job at the GWG factory sewing jeans, while Emil worked as a laborer for a plastering and stucco company, eventually becoming foreman, and then owner, with Hilma helping to run the company, as they raised 3 children.

Mom and Dad had a good life in Edmonton with lots of friends and relatives, and many family celebrations. Summer driving vacations took them to Banff, Jasper, and B.C., and they were drawn to the beauty and more moderate climate of the Okanagan. In 1970 they sold their thriving construction business in Alberta and moved to Vernon where they built the Globe Motel. After 6 very successful years running it, they sold the motel and built a beautiful home overlooking Kalamalka Lake in Coldstream. Retirement was the dream, but still teeming with energy, they both took part time jobs that combined their mutual love of people and gardening, working at The Swan Lake Fruit and Garden Center, for a further 10 years.

Travelling was an important part of their life, including a much belated honeymoon in 1969 to Hawaii, several trips to Europe to visit family, Alaskan and European cruises, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. They also enjoyed long walks, dancing, bowling, fishing, mushroom picking, their gardens, canning vast amounts of pickles, and drying fruit for all the kids and grandkids to enjoy. Christmas and Easter were always very special family gatherings…a houseful of children and lots of laughter. After Dad passed away Mom stayed in the house for another 8 years…tending her flowers, and adoring the sunsets from their upper deck. Mom sold the house 2 years ago and moved to the Vernon Carrington assisted living facility where she was well taken care of, met some old friends, made a number of new ones, and enjoyed the social activities.

Thank you for making the world a better place as long as you were on it Mom. You did a great job of looking after us all. We’re going to be OK, thanks to you giving up so much of yourself for the sake of the well being of your family. As much as we hate to see you gone, we’re happy that the health issues you’ve quietly suffered with ever since you were a child aren’t going to bother you anymore. We love you so much, and will miss you dearly.

A celebration of our Mother, Hilma’s life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the absolutely amazing North Okanagan Hospice Society.