It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Mom/Oma, Agnes Tonhauser. Agnes was raised in Bad Hall, Austria. At age 22 she followed the love of her life, Josef Tonhauser, to Canada: travelling across the Atlantic in January, arriving at Pier 21 in Halifax, N.S., and then travelling by train to Drumheller, AB to meet up with Joe. They were married shortly after she arrived, and in 1957 they moved to Edmonton, AB.
In 1972, the family moved to Kelowna, B.C., where she always said the mountains, lakes, and orchards reminded her of Austria. Agnes loved to travel (and besides trips back to Austria, to visit family and friends), she loved to go to Hawaii, Las Vegas, California, Florida, and New York. Agnes and Joe also loved cruising: Alaska, South America, and the Panama Canal were memorable holidays. Agnes was a great cook and loved hosting family and friends from across Canada and Austria (often for extended stays of up to 4 weeks). She took everything in stride and was always calm, cool, and collected. She taught us to love unconditionally, and her passing has left us with a huge void.
Agnes is survived by her children Rosemarie (Doug) Hawkins, Walter (Colleen) and Gary (Sandi); grandchildren Craig, Scott (Heather), Sean; and great-grandchildren Joe, Ben and Will, as well as many friends and relatives in Canada, Austria, and Germany. Sadly, she was predeceased by her husband Joe; sister Berta; brothers-in-law Eduard & Helmut and sister-in-law Rosalia.
A special thanks to Dr Alexandra Thomson; the staff at the Vineyards Residence; as well as Kelowna General Hospital, for their compassion and wonderful care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation, www.kghfoundation.com.
A private family internment at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery to lay Anges to rest will be held.
A Celebration of Life is planned for the Spring of 2023 (additional details will follow).
Condolences, photos, and memories may be sent to the family by visiting her obituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com.
