Irmgard Knudskov

KNUDSKOV, Irmgard Irmgard died peacefully at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Palliative Care Unit in the early hours of Friday, January 27, 2017 with her partner, Steve Marsh, at her side. She is survived by sons, Stephen (Colleen) and Andrew (Michelle); partner, Steve Marsh; brother-in-law, Bjarne Knudskov who supported both Ole and Irmgard through their long illness. Irmgard's husband died June 2014 at Saanich Peninsula Hospital. Irmgard was diagnosed with cancer two months after her much anticipated retirement from Community Living Victoria, an organization that supports people with developmental disabilities. She went through two rounds of treatment at the Victoria Cancer Agency. For a short while she and her family were hopeful she would have a second chance to enjoy retirement. It was not to be. She took the news with both grace and disappointment. Irmgard and her partner, Steve had many plans. She was the only child of Martha and Fritz Wandl and was born on March 20, 1948 in Wolfsberg, Austria. Her parents owned a nursery business and flower shop and this is where she gained her love of flowers and gardens. Irmgard had many cousins and friends growing up in Wolfsberg. She spent from ages 15 to 18 years in a convent boarding school run by the Nuns in Vienna. She told great stories about the time she and her friends would sneak out and have fun in Vienna! She came to Canada in 1967 and joined her Uncle Rudy in London, Ontario working at his car dealership. She loved Canada and was amazed how huge and relaxed it was! Irmgard and her Uncle Rudy also lived in Winnipeg and finally ended up in Victoria where they opened up a nursing home business together. Irmgard later worked at Brook Manor, a small facility for people with mental health challenges. Irmgard met Ole in 1972 marrying in 1974. They worked together in real estate for a few years. She was hired as a cook at Springwood Community while living in Victoria in 1978. Her son, Stephen was two and her second son, Andrew was born two years later. Irmgard remained at CLV until she retired in 2016. She rose through the ranks and became the Manager of Human Resources as her final position. Many people began their community support worker careers through the door of her office with her guidance and support. Irmgard was well respected as a fair principal member of the management team. For 35 years, Irmgard supported Penry and David in her home share. She provided a rich and caring life for these two men, they were a big part of her family. Irmgard had a wonderful sense of style! Her shoes and colorful scarf collection were legendary. She was always well turned out. Irmgard loved the opera, classical music and the Belfry Theater. She and Barbara had season tickets for the past 25 years. She watched the New Year's Day concert from Vienna every single year, and loved art and dinner parties. She was a classy lady! She will be greatly missed by her many good friends who supported her during her illness, including Suzie and Manfred, Ellen, Cathy and Keith, Rob and Deb, Mike, Lynette, Tammy, Joanna, Laurel, Nathaniel and Andrea, Minerva, Linda and Charles, and Paul and Barbara to name a few. Family and friends would like to thank Dr. Ryan Liebscher (Irmgard's GP), Dr. Ambrose Marsh and Dr. Leah Norgrove, the home care staff from the Health Unit, the staff and volunteers at the Cancer Clinic, the staff and volunteers at Saanich Peninsula Hospital Palliative Care and the staff at Qualicare. We would also like to extend a big thank you to the staff and clients of CLV who provided Irmgard and her family with encouragement, love and food. A Celebration of life for Irmgard will be held at the Colwood Golf Club on Saturday, March 18th, 2017 from 1 to 4pm. Please RSVP by March 1st to colforirmgard@gmail.com or 250-704-9322. Charitable donations would be appreciated in lieu of flowers to Community Living Victoria, 3861 Cedar Hill Cross Rd. Victoria, BC V8P 2M7 or a charity of your choice. We love and miss you Irmgard! Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallgardens.com