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KOZIOL, Hella

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The embodiment of self, with stubborn oft-used in conjunction, Hella was a big city kid turned frontiers woman.  She was born in Hamburg-Harburg, Germany, in 1925 to Ella and Hermann Hirsch.  She left for England in 1945 to seek a better future then the bombed out carcass of her home could give her.

Shortly after being married in Lancaster on December 24, 1951 to William, they chose to come to Canada instead of Australia.  Landing in Montreal with some 26 suitcases and trunks of clothes and tools, ready to embrace the many opportunities, Bill bought a train ticket to head to Edmonton.  

He stopped in North Bay and was told of all the work with the new underground military complex being built.  They never left and worked long days to achieve what they have today

In 1961 Anthony came into the world prematurely thanks to her chasing some escaped cattle they had on their just purchased farm in Bonfield

The city girl totally embraced the country lifestyle.  They raised all sorts of animals with vegetable and flower gardens all around the house and stables.  Hay fields too.  Butchering any animals for the family dinner table was her purview too.  

As if she didn’t have enough to do, she explored pottery making and stain glass crafting, all the while continuing to cook and bake things that really schmecked

After 35 years of country living they moved back to North Bay to be closer to medical care….just in case  

When Bill died in 1994 she continued to find purpose in her garden and kitchen.  And could she fix things!  She always could out engineer her husband the tradesman. She was a true McGyver.

She had great genes that gave her robust protoplasm and a long life, with macular degeneration only slowing her down.  

She continued the pursuit of all her hobbies, especially gardening to the end.  She became a fixture on Beattie Street weeding on all fours for hours that dastardly front lawn of hers.

Already predeceased by many friends in the Germania Club and Lutheran Redeemer church, she passed on her own terms with Anthony and Judy by her side

Thanks to the compassionate caring staff of Cassellholme that made her short stay there as comfortable as possible

Thanks to Jonathan, Larry and their families for making Hella feel so welcome at their table.  Gail thanks for caring so much.

Thanks especially to doctors Leckie and Senior for having the compassion and strength to see Hella’s wish fulfilled. 

Following her wishes there will be no funeral service.  She never was a social butterfly.  However, well-wishers are encouraged to grab some cut flowers or a potted plant for the house or garden to enjoy and reflect on. 

Remember to live life to its fullest and take time and smell the flowers. She will live on in our hearts and minds and in our garden where she too got dirty, while Judy will try to channel her in the kitchen




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