November 16, 1919 - June 16, 2019
It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of Rosina (Rosa) Hefti.
Rosa passed away on June 16, 2019 at The Heights at Mount View in Victoria, BC and was five months shy of her 100th birthday. In a fashion that seems only fitting, Rosa left us on Father's Day to join her beloved husband Johannes (Hans) Hefti, husband of 57 years.
Born Rosina Knobel in Schwanden in the Canton of Glarus, Switzerland, on November 16, 1919, Rosina was the youngest child of Peter and Ursula Knobel. Rosa, husband Hans and eldest daughter Rosmarie immigrated to Canada in May of 1953 and after a brief stay in Saskatchewan, Rosa, Hans and Rosmarie ventured west to the Columbia Valley where they were then joined by three more wonderful daughters Doris, Elizabeth (Elsie) and Barbara (Barb).
Rosa and Hans' western adventure began on a farm in Invermere, BC and later moved to Golden, BC where they lived out the remainder of their charmed life together until Hans' passing in 2002. Rosa holds the current record as "the oldest young driver" to ever attend the Young Drivers of Canada, when at 72 years old she decided to move out of the "back seat" and get her own driver's licence. Rosa then moved to Vancouver Island where she spend the remainder of her days under the loving care and guidance of daughter Rosmarie and son in law Lorry and where she continued to bring joy and brighten the days of everyone who was fortunate enough to be graced by her presence.
Rosa is survived by her four daughters; Rosmarie and her husband of 50 years Lorrace (Lorry), Elsie, Doris, Barb and her long-time partner Steve, grandchildren; Tracey (Vince), Deryl (Frankie), Julia, Michelle (Jay) and Brandi (Mitch), great grandchildren; Janzen, Isaiah, Faith, Jayden, Jessie, Aleah, Nevaeh, Payton, Dylan, Aila and Owen.
What a life she lived, some say magical or even fairy tale, even the ending, where at 99 years old, she was surrounded by those she loved and those who loved her. The end, as hard as it was, was filled with love, Swiss music and prayers, tears and the voices, whether in person or via the magic of face time, of her loved ones, how wonderful. You will forever be in our thoughts, in our conversations, in our laughter and in our tears, you are already missed. We love you Nana!