Obituary of Gertrude Schachinger

March 18, 1935 – Scheibbs, Austria

August 12, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Gertrude Schachinger (nee Drescher), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, August 12, 2024, at the age of 89 years.

Gertrude was born in Scheibbs, Austria, on March 18, 1935, she married Franz Schachinger in 1954 and immigrated to Canada in 1968. Gertrude moved to Calgary, AB, in 2013.

Gertrude found strength and purpose in her faith and shared her love of baking, cooking, dancing, and gardening with everyone around her. Her expressed gratitude was reflected in how she lived her life and helped others.

She was fond of the sayings: “Hef Gott das war ist!” (God bless it’s true!) and “Alles abeit aus wir des sein solt, mir wissen viel ned” (everything in life always happens for a reason, even if the reasons do not always seem clear at the time).

Gertrude is predeceased by her husband Franz and son Charlie. She is survived by her son Helmut and his family; her four daughters, Beatrix, Ilona, Cornelia, and Claudia, and their respective families. She leaves behind her seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Gertrude expressed how dearly she loved her adopted city of Calgary where she lived with her daughter Claudia, grandson Jesse (Charlene), and her great-grandchildren, Kathryn and Hannah. She often reflected that her life in Calgary felt like a homecoming, with some of the warmest and most welcoming people she had ever had the privilege of meeting.

Gertrude will be profoundly missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church (321 – 90th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB) on Friday, August 16, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at St. Patrick Cemetery (14608 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary, AB). 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Gertrude’s family here.

In living memory of Gertrude Schachinger, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.