Erna Henny J. Oevermann (Pape) was born in (Rustringen) Wilhelmshaven, West Germany, on Sept. 4, 1922. Erna and “Bill” (K.F. Wilhelm) were married Aug. 22, 1942, emigrated to northern Quebec in 1951/52, then to Kitimat in 1956, and to Smithers in 1969 to join son Ingo in business. Erna was predeceased by “Bill” on March 5, 1988. She is survived by her daughters Karin, of Stewart and Christina, of Smithers, and her son Ingo (Jean) of Smithers, grandchildren Tania, Peter (Jennifer), Tia Sue, Sean (Kristie), Ryan (Susan), and great grandchildren Lane, Shane, Lisa, Serena, Liam, Landon, Montana, Wade, Garrett, and Angelina. Erna had a serious heart attack in mid-summer and her loving heart gave up its struggle on Sept. 4, 2012 on her 90th birthday. Erna was a very loving and caring mother who will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Kindness in words creates confidence; Kindness in thinking creates profoundness; Kindness in giving creates love.
As per her wishes, Erna’s ashes will join Bill’s in the Smithers Cemetery. A Celebration of Life service will be held in October. Erna loved flowers so any donation of perennials to the Town for all to enjoy, or a donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be welcome.
Mother’s Garden
Our mother kept a garden
A garden of the heart,
She planted all the good things
That gave our life it’s start.
She turned us to the sunshine,
And encouraged us to dream,
Fostering and nurturing
The seeds of self esteem.
And when the winds and rain came,
She protected us enough;
But not too much because she knew
We’d need to stand up strong and tough.
Her constant good example
Always taught us right from wrong;
Markers for our pathway
That will last a lifetime long.
We are our Mother’s garden;
We are her legacy.
And we hope today she feels the love
Reflected back from us.
Author unknown
We would like to thank Drs. Pretorius and Kotze, and the staff of the hospital and homecare for the care and consideration given to Erna during the past 12 years.
Erna’s family