Tribute

Gerda de Buhr, lovingly referred to as Missy, passed away peacefully and went to be with her
Lord and Saviour February 23, 2024 in Agassiz at Glenwood Seniors Community. She will be
remembered as being deeply devoted to her family and work. Missy was caring and kind
hearted. She blessed us with many cherished memories.
Gerda was born in Bentstreek, Germany, to Hermann and Frieda de Buhr on July 25, 1939.
With her brother and sisters, she immigrated to Canada aboard the SS Neptunia May 6, 1951,
landing in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Upon arrival, the family boarded a train to Manitoba shortly
thereafter to be closer to extended relatives and settled into raising beef cattle. In 1956, Gerda
made her way to Vancouver, British Columbia to finish her education. She graduated with a
Diploma of Practical Nursing from the Vancouver Vocational Institute in 1960. Shortly after
completing her education Gerda proudly became a Canadian citizen on July 14, 1961.
Missy took pride in her work as a nurse. She started a long-lasting career at Vancouver General
Hospital, later transferring to BC Children’s Hospital where she spent the majority of her career.
She helped the province’s most vulnerable children in the pediatric emergency department and
general pediatrics clinic. She enjoyed her profession immensely. Gerda retired from BC
Children’s Hospital after being a nurse for 44 years. She made multiple friends over the years
and would fondly recall all the patients and families that she took care of. We are proud of the
care and compassion she provided to her patients and her dedication to an honourable
profession.
After retiring, Gerda moved to Abbotsford to be closer to family. She continued to help people
by volunteering her time at MCC Thrift Store in Surrey. In her later years, she moved to Menno
Home in Abbotsford where her sister Helga also resided. As her dementia progressed and she
needed more care, Missy moved to Glenwood Seniors Community in Agassiz where she spent
her final years. Missy was known to have the most visitors at Glenwood which is a testament to
how many lives she touched and the importance she placed on family.
Gerda is predeceased by her parents, Hermann and Frieda de Buhr; her siblings, Helga
Loewen, Johann de Buhr, Helmut de Buhr; her niece Rosalie Pierson, and brother-in-law Abe
Loewen.
Gerda is survived by her siblings Mathilde (Rolf) Mueller, and Edith (Hartmut) Berger, and
sister-in-law Elaine de Buhr; her nieces and nephews, Marlene (Sherman) Foster, Hildi (Colin)
Mitchell, Elsie (Ron) Rempel, (Kelvin) Pierson, David (Lori) de Buhr, Lisa de Buhr, Michael
(Victoria) Mueller, Leanne (Cody) Winter, Kristalee (Tyson) Hughes, Janessa (Kyle) Mueller;
and 17 great nieces and nephews; and 3 great great nieces and nephews; along with numerous
cousins in Germany and Tennessee, USA.
Gerda was continually helping people, whether it be at work or with family. Family and friends
were unceasingly a priority. She was present at all family functions, celebrations and work
events alike. She was the family biographer and photographer, taking photos at all gatherings
and keeping chronicles of family affairs in her many albums. She enjoyed traveling and would
often make trips to Germany to visit family. She liked spending time outdoors and would often
be found tending to the garden or out for a daily walk. Gerda loved the Lord and regularly
attended Bethany Baptist Church. She will be dearly missed.