Johanna Gertrud Laske

Johanna Gertrud Laske (June 3rd, 1924 to Nov 11th, 2022) passed away peacefully on the morning of November 11th in the loving embrace of her surviving daughter, Brigitte and son-in-law, James. In her remarkable 98 years of Life, Johanna, survived in the rubble of Berlin with a toddler in tow, the devastating effects of World War 2. In the early 50’s, she would move with her small family to the prairie capital of Winnipeg, to first work piece work in a sewing factory for leather wallets, eventually to become a floor clerk with the Hudson’s Bay Company. There in the ensuing years Johanna rose to promotion as the head of HBC’s fur department and buyer for Western Canada. Upon retirement, she felt the pull of Germany to live along the fabled Rhine River. Eventually, she did make her way back to Canada and Victoria, often heeding the call of the open sea when she and her (late) partner Helmut dressed to the Nines, cruised the world. And at her every port of call, Johanna quickly gathered a circle of friends with whom she shared her love of fine dining and animated conversation. Not surprisingly, she was an accomplished cook and baker. Johanna also leaves behind her beloved companion, her dog, Sophie.