Obituary of Gisele Geib

Gisele Leonie Geib of Camrose, formerly of Edmonton, passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at the age of 94 years. Gisele Leonie Geib, also known as Gisela, Mom and Oma, was born in Breslau, Germany on October 29, 1919. She immigrated to Canada in 1953 to be with her father George, who had come earlier to prepare a home for his family. When George's wife and son decided to stay in Germany, Gisele came to be with her father so he was not alone. She served as a court stenographer and interpreter when she first arrived. It was in Edmonton that she met Karl Heinz (Henry) and they were married in 1954. They had two children, Peter (Sherwood Park) and Chris Zarski (Camrose). Over the years in Edmonton, Gisele took on many roles but none more important than being a fulltime Mom! She was involved in the school through PTA, concerts and organizing events, and encouraged and involved her children in many activities. She was a true partner and companion to Henry and explored every venture along his side including camping and skiing in the mountains, farming, travelling and the enjoyment of sitting in a quiet place at various lakes. Throughout the years, Gisele became involved in several areas of interest. She worked as a part-time seamstress at Snides Sewing, was a trained income tax agent for Block Brothers Income Tax, and assisted the Holy Ghost Fathers when they arrived in Edmonton from Ireland by opening her home to them for meals. She also served as their housekeeper at the Spiritan McQueen Residence and saw them through the building of Holy Spirit Parish, serving as the church administrator. When the family moved to the south side of Edmonton, Gisele gave up her church position and accepted a Bookkeepers position with Central Park Lodges. She loved the role, the residents and the staff, and found that this was a joy for her until she and Henry retired to the Mundare farm. Shortly after Henry's illness, they retired to Camrose. Gisele enjoyed farm life for its beauty and quietness. She loved gardening and flowers, but most of all, loved the time she could watch her grandson grow with his endless questions in developing a love for farm life. She was a grandmother who could tell the same story a hundred times, be surprised over and over by the same joke and taught her grandson to speak and sing in German. Each night Gisele would ask about Timmy, where he was and when he would be back. When possible and there was reception, we would grab a cell phone and she would speak to him, even if just to say "Hi" and make sure he was OK. Gisele was known for her kindness and for always seeing the positive side in every situation. She was endlessly grateful for anything someone did for her. You would always hear the words "Thank You" come from her mouth, regardless of the situation! We love you dearly and you will be missed! Left to cherish her memory are her husband Henry Geib; children Peter Geib of Sherwood Park, and Chris (Tim) Zarski of Camrose; and one grandchild Tim. Gisele was predeceased by her parents; and one brother Hans Joachim Rudzki. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 21, 2014 from St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church (5010 48th Ave. Camrose) with Rev. Larry Pederson as celebrant. Interment has taken place in the Camrose Cemetery. If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in memory of Gisele are gratefully accepted to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or to CNIB.