February 22, 1949 - October 1, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
Brigitte passed away peacefully on October 1, 2023, at Silver Kettle Ivy House, with her daughter by her side. We would like to thank all the Silver Kettle staff for their wonderful care and support over the last two years.
Brigitte was born on February 22, 1949, in Asperg, Germany, to parents Max & Maria Krafft. She was the youngest of six children.
Brigitte went to school to become a dental hygienist and worked in a practice in Freiburg. She married Helmut Kientz in May 1979, and their daughter Sarah was born soon after.
In 1985, the family of three made a huge decision to immigrate to Canada, settling in Regina, Saskatchewan. Brigitte made the most of the cold winters teaching at the German school on Saturdays and making many friends at the German Stammtisch. Her degree was not recognized in Canada, so she moved into her second career, where she became a Care Aid.
Eventually the family moved to BC, with a short stint in Terrace, settling in Abbotsford in 1990. Brigitte began her job at Maplewood House, where she worked for over 14 years.
In 1993, her husband Helmut, passed away. These were difficult times, but in difficult times you dream, and Brigitte's dream was to open a shoe store. She started a mobile store, travelling to hospitals and care homes throughout BC, selling Birkenstocks to healthcare workers. A few years later, she opened a small store "The Attic", which was located in the Attic of a heritage home in Mission. Brigitte would later purchase the heritage home and move into the larger space on the main floor with her final business "The Schuh Boutik". She worked many long hours making this business a success and loved using her creativity to make the store amazing. She had many faithful customers, many of whom also became great friends.
In 2018, Brigitte decided it was time for retirement, sold the business, and moved into a condo in Mission. She enjoyed going for daily walks and hikes, playing Scrabble, and ending the day with a delicious meal with her friends.
Anywhere Brigitte called home throughout the years and during her travels all over the world, she always made lifelong friends whom she cherished very much.
It is difficult to put a full life into a few paragraphs. Those who knew Brigitte have many fond memories, and we should share and cherish those.
At Brigitte's request, no celebration of life will be held.
A donation can be made to Parkinson Canada.