Obituary of Gertraut Clara Casemore

On Monday, March 13, 2023, Gertraut (Gertie) Clara Casemore (nee Wirsig) passed away at the age of 88 years.  A larger-than-life-figure, Gertie was many things to many people: a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, travel companion, accountant, and fierce defender of what she believed in.

Born on October 14th, 1934, in the Pas, MB, Gertie was the fourth child out of six siblings born to Frida and Oscar Wirsig.  As a child, the family moved to Sundre, Alberta and later on to Gray Creek, BC where the Wirsig family became a foundational part of the small community.  On December 29th, 1956, she married the love of her life, Harold Omar Casemore, and they had four children: Kathy, Ralph, Lori Anne, and Chris.

The young family moved to Lister in 1972. Where Gertie stayed until 1996 after Harold’s death in 1989.  In a strange twist of fate, she had 33 years with him and 33 years without him.  In 1982, she became a grandmother for the first time, and then eight further times after that.  In 2012, she became a great-grandmother, and had six great-grandchildren.

For those that knew her, Gertie was a force of nature.  She loved travel, conversing with her “Coffee klatsch”, keeping up on the news, and having a healthy debate at any time.  Determined and strong, Gertie was a supportive friend and neighbor, always willing to lend a hand (or ear) to anyone that needed it.

Gertie was predeceased by her husband Harold Casemore and son Ralph Casemore.

Gertie will be lovingly remembered by her children Kathy (Ron) Castellarin, LoriAnne (Ken) Sharpe, and Chris Casemore, grandchildren Michelle (Jesse) Lapierre, Adam (Kelsey) Casemore, Tyler (Rebecca) Casemore, Chelsea Castellarin, Casey Sharpe, Randy Sharpe, Luke Casemore, Sophie Casemore, and Aimee (Geromy) Piva, as well as six great grandchildren.

She will be fondly remembered for her quick wit, indomitable personality, and dedication to her family and her community.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 11:30 am at the Redeemer Lutheran Church with Pastor Harry Haberstock officiating. Burial will follow at the Lister Community Cemetery, Lister, BC.

In lieu flowers, the family asks that friends make a memorial contribution to the Creston Valley Hospice – Palliative Rooms, PO Box 612, Creston, BC, V0B 1G0.

Click here to view the funeral service.

Click here to view the graveside service.