Gudrun Marie Mortensen

MORTENSEN, Gudrun Marie
November 20, 1920 - March 4, 2025
Gudrun passed away peacefully at her care home, The Heights at Mt. View in Victoria, BC. Born in Denmark 1920. Gudrun is survived by her sisters Ruth and Gerda, her sons Kurt, Gunnar (Anne), Knud (Carol), grandchildren Shannon, Jo-el (Doug), Jody (Darren), Eva (Chris), and Charlene (Dan). Great-grandchildren Heather, Deven, Tyler, Colton, Whitney, Braden, Scott, Tegan, Raelynne, Henrik and Avery. Great great-grandson Kaeden. Predeceased by her loving husband Larry of 62 years. Her oldest son Preben, daughter-in-law Darlene, grandson Sean, sister Annemie, brothers Johan and Hans. Gudrun lived an adventurous good long life to 104 years old. She learned many skills as a young woman working at a large farm estate in Denmark. Gudrun married Evald at 18 years old and had sons Preben, Kurt and Gunnar. Gudrun and Evald were in the Danish Resistance during WW2. Evald was captured and died near the end of the war leaving Gudrun to care for the three young boys on her own. After the war she went to Copenhagen to study and received a diploma in Electrolysis and skin care. Gudrun had a very successful business for many years. Gudrun married Larry in 1949 and later had her fourth son Knud. In 1957 they immigrated to Canada arriving at Pier 21 Halifax, then a train to Edmonton. After several years, they went back to Denmark driving to New Orleans and taking passage on a freighter with their car. In 1965 they came back to Edmonton, Canada and eventually moved to Victoria. Once again Gudrun opened another successful business, Electrolysis Institute, where she was also certified by the BC Government to train and certify her apprentices. Gudrun was a fantastic cook. Gudrun and Larry loved to entertain and had so many memorable dinner parties. Gudrun and Larry loved to travel. Road trips throughout North America and all over the world. Their favourite, a safari in Kenya with their own guide. Gudrun and Larry immigrated to Canada with very little. Through hard work they built a good life. They became Canadian First. Before she passed, Gudrun was able to read about her life during the war in a newly published book about women during the war. Also Denmark's largest magazine did a full feature on her story and the book. Gudrun never made it about herself but always about the other person. Through her business and personal life she helped, was an inspiration and blessing to many. Gudrun lived a long adventurous life with many stories passed down to her grandchildren. She was loved and will be missed by her family and friends as she went home to be with God.