Dagmar ZWINGENBERGER

1950 - 2021

DAGMAR ZWINGENBERGER October 21, 1950 - March 24, 2021 Born in Düsseldorf Germany October 21, 1950, lost her courageous fight with a long-term illness on March 24, 2021. Dagmar leaves behind her devoted husband Arthur; daughter Allison Zwingenberger, her husband (Michael French); son Andrew Zwingenberger, his wife, (Melonie), and grandchildren, (Sloane, Hudson); and her brothers Frank, Diego, and Tobias Struwe. Dagmar trained as a nurse specializing in children's oncology, becoming the head of oncology at the Olga Children's Hospital in Stuttgart Germany until she married her husband Arthur and moved to Toronto to be with him in 1988. Dagmar made many lifelong friendships in Toronto, through her ability to connect with people, provide loving no-nonsense advice, and share her infectious laugh wherever she went. She was especially engaged with people who felt lost, who needed guidance, and perhaps, a push and a hug simultaneously. She was a natural homemaker, with a special sense of space, design and comfort. She always made her homes a special sanctuary and her talent was admired by all who were welcomed there. After moving to Switzerland with Arthur in 1996, they settled in Luzern, where she made legions of new lifelong friends. She enjoyed long evenings sitting on the terrace, talking with friends, admiring the water and backdrop of Mount Pilatus. Her time as a children's nurse never left her and she found new ways to fuel her love of helping the sick and needy around the world. She shared fond memories with her friends and family of her trips with the specialized team of doctors and nurses at Interplast, who would perform facial corrective surgeries in Uganda, Nigeria, Tanzania, and India. She also shared a love of Africa with Peter Sylvester and her friends at Royal African Safaris. She went on 15 Safaris with Peter and his team which were unforgettable experiences for her. She always said that she felt most herself at the core when she was surrounded by the wild. On behalf of Dagmar, her family would like to thank her doctors Dr. Kurt Zuesli and Dr. Thomas Braschler who worked diligently to provide her cutting-edge treatment, strength, and hope for many years longer than her disease typically allows. Her family would also like to thank the team at the Kantonspital Luzern for caring for Dagmar and for providing exceptional comfort and care. The First Nations People in Canada believe their loved ones walk among the stars when they pass into the next world. May Dagmar too, walk among them, and may the night sky always remind all those she touched, of her life, her many gifts, and wisdom during her time here on Earth. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (https://www.lewa.org/donate/) or Interplast (https://www.interplast-switzerland.ch/spenden/) in her name. A memorial service will be announced to friends and family at a later date.