Obituary of Edeltraud Veronika Austerman

God has called another angel home.  It is with heavy hearts that her children announce the peaceful passing of their mother.

Edeltraud was predeceased by her mother, Veronika, her young son Jurgen, her beautiful daughter Monika, and her first husband, Paul.

She is survived by her brother Hans (Roswitha), and her children Heidi, Zoria, Paula, and Karl, as well as her grandchildren Paul, Travis, David, Allyson (Stephen), Troy, Colton, Rachel, Hope, and Jones.  She also leaves behind many many furkids within the family.  Edeltraud felt deeply honoured by Zoria that she and beloved George became Colton's Godparents. 

Edeltraud had many cherished friends and held a special fondness for her long time Timmies buddies who brought her joy and laughter and companionship over the years...special thanks to Chris, Al, Quincy, and Jeffery.

Edeltraud was German by birth and Canadian by choice.  She was born in Oppeln, Germany and she, her mom and her brother left Bremerhaufen, Germany on May 30, 1956 by ship, headed for Canada.  They landed in Halifax, Nova Scotia and continued by train to Winnipeg, Manitoba, arriving June 15, 1956.  She always said "Canada is a very very good country --- THANK YOU".

She met and married Paul Kalyniuk and they began their journey farming on the homestead in Red Rose, Manitoba.  She moved to Calgary in 1974.

Edeltraud endured and overcame many hardships and struggles, yet always rejoiced and celebrated all that life had to offer.  Her resilience was amazing and deeply inspiring.  She walked with the fearlessness of the wolf, the bravery of the tiger, and the fierceness of the dragon!

For many years, Edeltraud worked as a cocktail waitress, later becoming a certified masseuse and reflexologist and Reiki 2 practitioner.  She also worked security at BMO and the Stampede grounds.  In her later years, she worked within the school board supervising the children.

Edeltraud was a social butterfly and a fashionable and elegant dresser!  She enjoyed the hustle and bustle of Calgary for over 40 years.

Edeltraud danced with a passion, from the elegance of ballroom dancing to the polka, the bird dance, the hokey pokey, to good old-fashioned rock and roll.  She could out dance anyone on any given night.  This love she passed on to her children.  Her love of music, good food, and travel came second only to her love for her children. 

She was a wonderful cook and baker.  She took the time to teach all her children the secrets of her traditional German recipes.   For many many years, she spent Christmas time at her daughter Heidi's home, baking, cooking, laughing, and sharing into the wee hours of the morning these traditional recipes and memories of the past.

Edeltraud was open and honest and direct.  She said what she meant and meant what she said.

We will miss you, Mutti.....till we meet again.

Due to Covid restrictions, a private memorial service will be held on Monday, December 13, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.

To watch the funeral service video, click here.

Auf Wiedersehen