Frieda (Schatzi) Rose Hager our beautiful Mother, Mother-in-law and Grandmother passed away on January 21, 2018 at the age of 98 years. Frieda was surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Schatzi was born on September 10, 1919 in Gams Switzerland. She married Hans Hager on October 17, 1942 in Adelboden, Switzerland. In 1947, Frieda, Hans and their two daughters, Nelly and Ruth, made their three week journey by ship to Canada. After living in different communities in BC and having their third child, John, they settled in Revelstoke. It was here that they created their home in south Revelstoke. The family lived on the Flats but were forced to relocate for the building of the High Arrow Dam. They had to relocate once again however, for the building of the current Revelstoke Airport. They finally settled where Schatzi remained until she said goodbye to us.
The name “Schatzi”, which many people in town used for Frieda, is the Swiss German word meaning “Sweetheart”. Schatzi always called her first grandchild Keith (Nelly and Nick’s son) Schatzi. As Keith grew older, he copied her and called her Schatzi back…. which she absolutely loved! From then on, she was our Schatzi, and this name was used by many who knew and loved her. This was the perfect name.
Schatzi lived an incredible life. She worked hard her entire life taking care of family. She lost both her parents by the time she was 14 years old and then stepped up to take care of her 3 brothers who remained at home. Schatzi stayed until each of one of them left home and then, she headed for the ski hill. She began working as a nanny at ski resorts so she could ski or be in the mountains whenever time allowed and this is where she met Hans. They married during the war and had to work very hard to have their home and support their family. It was during this time that they decided to move to Canada and start another incredible adventure. Frieda and Hans became Canadian citizens and so proudly flew the Canadian flag at their home. They were happily married for 54 years before Hans’ passing in 1994.
Frieda’s and Hans’ first priority was family. Schatzi not only raised her three children but loved to spend time with her six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren and they adored her. She loved to visit her children, helping with their gardens, especially flowers, and cooking meals from Switzerland that everyone looked forward to. Schatzi always wanted to help and she always had so much love to give. Everyone loved spending time with Schatzi. She always had amazing stories to share about her life and she gave the best advice and comfort. Schatzi always knew what we needed and she was there for each and everyone of us.
Schatzi had a great sense of humour and never missed a trick. Even at 98 years old, she could still tell a great joke. As she grew older her body began to fail her. As she lost her mobility, she found ways to get things done around her home. She always had her porch covered in flowers and vegetables that she enjoyed working with and she had grape vines and fruit trees surrounding her. Schatzi’s faithful friend Cooper (her devoted cat), was always at her side. Schatzi never gave up and always had a positive attitude.
Schatzi will always be loved and remembered as an independent, strong, brave, generous, kind and loving Mother, Mother in Law, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and friend.
Schatzi is survived by her three children: Nelly (Nick) Nicholson of Ladner, BC, Ruth (Dave) Kelly of Revelstoke, BC, John (Maureen) Hager of Revelstoke, BC, as well as six grandchildren: Keith (Natalie) Nicholson of Vancouver, Julie Bell of Richmond, BC, Lori Kelly of Edmonton, AB, Ryan Kelly, Angie Hager-McKnight (Adam) of Calgary, Brad Hager and eight great grandchildren: Morgan Graumann, Aaron, Jessica and Kevin Bell, Olivia, Sarah and Marin McKnight and Marlow Nendick; Cooper, her amazing cat, as well as nieces and nephews in Switzerland.
The family would like to give a SPECIAL THANK YOU to Schatzi’s Home Care Ladies whom she lovingly referred to as her “Golden Girls”, as well as Dr. Molder and the many wonderful nurses at Queen Victoria Hospital.
A Celebration of Life will be held later in the spring.
Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting Frieda’s obituary notice at www.brandonbowersfuneralhome.com
Cremation arrangements are in the care of Brandon Bowers Funeral Home, Revelstoke.
