Obituary of Antonia Scheffer

Antonia Scheffer "Toni" January 15, 1932 - February 8, 2019 87 years of age Our mom passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at the Invermere and District Hospital. She is now reunited with the love of her life, Casey. She was born in Rotterdam Holland in 1932. When she was just nineteen, she made the journey to Canada to work for a year. This is something we always admired about her, her strength, independence and sense of adventure to travel across the world in 1950, by herself. Mom was an independent woman with an adventurous soul. Having lived through the Second World War in Holland, she was brave, smart and ready for anything. Her plans to return to Holland were thwarted by the charisma of a handsome Dutchman she met while she visited friends in Kimberley on her way back to Halifax to board a ship back to Europe. She didn't stand a chance with Casey's charm and he couldn't ignore mom's beauty and smile. Mom and dad married in 1953, bought the Kimberley City Bakery in 1960 and raised three sons and a daughter. They spent part of their retirement years at Wasa Lake and Cranbrook and then moved to Invermere in 2003 to be closer to their family. As the matriarch of our family, with a great sense of style, love of life and great hostess skills, their home was always open to all. When she entered a room, the party started. Their strong faith and family values were steadfast and unwavering. Mom and dad loved their family more than anything. The six of us created many memories and had many happy years at the Wasa Lake cabin, the place where we could relax and play as a family. And we played a lot. Mom often said she had five kids! We lost dad a few years ago after 62 years of marriage to mom. She is survived by sons Arnold (Donna), Pieter (Cathy), Andy (Sonny) and daughter, Jami. She was a wonderful Oma to 10 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. She leaves behind her younger sister Jeanette in Holland. For those that would like to celebrate the amazing life of Toni, please join our family at the Fairmont Hot Springs Cemetery on Friday, February 22nd at 4:30 pm for a graveside service. A Celebration of Life will be planned in the Spring; the date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations will be contributed to a memorial bench in honor of Casey and Toni that will be placed at the Fairmont Cemetery where they both are resting. For any more information please call 250 -342-5330. Many thanks and hugs to the Home Care staff for their years of care and concern for our dad and mom, Dr. Shafer for the respect he gave to mom, the Invermere Hospital staff, the Ladies Auxiliary for the loaning of equipment and the Hospice Society for the comfortable room at the hospital for our family to gather in. We will miss mom but are at peace with the thought that 'dad swung by on his motor bike to pick up mom' and they are together again. Thanks Chris for the wonderful image! With thanks and gratitude, the Scheffer family. Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com