Hedy passed away peacefully on March 7, 2014 at Cumberland Lodge at the age of 88. Hedy was born in Herbert, Saskatchewan on April 16, 1925 shortly after her family immigrated to Canada from the Kuban region of Russia. She grew up in Swift Current and resided in Toronto, Saskatoon, and Victoria before moving to the Comox Valley in 2011. Hedy began her working life as an elementary school teacher before studying library science at the University of Saskatchewan. Later, Hedy worked as a medical transcriptionist in Saskatoon and at Victoria General Hospital. While living in Victoria, Hedy enjoyed many scenic walks along Dallas Road and visits to Beacon Hill Park. Hedy and her mother, Minna Kornelsen, attended many concerts by the Victoria Symphony Orchestra over the years. Hedy was an avid reader of classic literature and enjoyed knitting colourful sweaters for her great-nieces.
Hedy is predeceased by her father, Heinrich Kornelsen, her mother, Minna Kornelsen, and her brother, Ernie Kornelsen. Hedy is survived by her brother, Richard Kornelsen of Penticton, BC, and 9 nieces and nephews, including Martha Russell of Courtenay, Mary Kornelsen of Cumberland, and Fern Kornelsen of Sonora Island.
The family would like to thank all those care providers who looked after Hedy so well over the past three years, and the nurses and staff at Cumberland Lodge who made her last few months so comfortable. Special thanks to Françoise and Leveada for their exceptional nursing care. There will be no service at her request.