<div itemprop="description"><br>It was in the very early morning hours of Friday July 17th that Ingrid Kau - passed away peacefully, albeit far too soon for us all. <br> <br>She leaves in mourning her beloved husband of 65 years Hans, her daughter Melanie (Jean-Pierre), daughter Alexandra (Brian) and her son Johannes (Annaliese) as well as five treasured grandchildren, Johann, Theodor, Thomas, Augusta and Nicolas. <br> <br>Born in Ahlen, a bucolic part of west Germany, Ingrid knew from the very start that her hometown would be far too small for her international ambitions. As soon as WW2 ended and it was safe to travel again, she sought a job in Paris, the fashion capital of the world. What better way was there to learn the language of culture and sophistication? <br> <br>Armed with her new skills and a cleverly selected wardrobe that spoke to the elegance, which was to become her signature look, she moved to Cologne and started working for Lufthansa. This was a time when air travel was not the commodity it has now become but a luxurious celebration for those with means. <br>The war was over. Everything, seemed possible. <br> <br>It is around this time that Hans met Ingrid. Or should we say was awestruck by her– a beautiful dark-haired stranger. Her style and elegance were something he could not forget. Soon enough he would invite her to Canada to be his wife and build their life and their family together. A new life, a new beginning. <br>Canada, it turned out, was a conundrum for Ingrid. On the one hand she was with the one she had chosen to share her life. On the other hand, stiletto heels could not be worn outside in the middle of winter, a disappointing development to say the least. She had not anticipated the 6 months of white silence the country was plunged into every year. It was difficult not to make comparisons with the mother country. <br>Still, life brought its rays of sunshine and soon the family grew. Melanie was born soon after the couple settled, then Alexandra, and several years later their son Johannes. <br> <br>As Hans’ business ambitions grew, Ingrid was at his side. It was in fact her savings that were used to finance the opening of the first furniture store on Greene Avenue. Mobilia, the contemporary furniture chain was born, many other stores followed, and real estate was developed. Ingrid knew her adopted country and her husband would deliver. It was a good calculation. <br> <br>Eventually the couple settled in a magnificent custom-built home looking out on the water, where Hans still lives today. It became central to their life; hosting sought after parties for friends and sumptuous family gatherings. It was always a good thing to be on Ingrid’s list. <br> <br>Although she loved her adopted country Germany would reign supreme for quite some time. The couple and the family travelled extensively for business as for pleasure and there was always time to go see an uncle or an aunt in the homeland. Nothing could ever compete with German home cooked dishes, especially when shared with friends they had left behind, back at home. <br> <br>As the children grew and eventually moved out, she realized she need a passion of sorts, to add to her busy schedule. Ideally something with great outfits, civilized rules and where sweating was not really allowed. Tennis fit the bill perfectly. In time, she became the captain of her women’s team and would attend the Roger’s cup matches from beginning to end seated beside her closest friends. She would take pains to boo those she did not find worthy (what was Rafter doing with that outfit?) but would triumphantly smile when players like Sampres took the lead. Tennis was a big part of her life. <br> <br>The last few years were spent quietly enjoying the life she and Hans had built. Sometimes flying to Florida to escape the icy grip of winter, or the occasional trip to Cologne to see if the cathedral’s spires were still as high as the time before. <br>She will be remembered, by her family and friends, as the iconoclastic lady she was. <br> <br>Hans and the entire family would like to thank the exceptional doctors of the neurological wing at the CHUM, especially Dr. Yan Deschaintre, Dr. Christian Stapf and their staff. In addition, the nurses that took care of her during her two-week stay were tremendously kind. We thank you for softening this difficult journey we have had to take. <br> <br>The family would also like to extend their heartfelt thanks to our dear family friend Dr. Raymond Hazel, his daughter Krystel Hazel and their entire family. You have been exceptional in your dedication to Ingrid’s health and wellbeing. We are indebted to you and cannot thank you enough. <br> <br>The family asks, that Instead of flowers, you consider a donation to either of the hospitals that have been crucial to Ingrid’s care. <br>https://fondationlakeshore.ca/ingridkau/ <br>https://fondationduchum.com/en/give-now/ <br> <br>When making your donation to the CHUM, indicate in memory of Ingrid Friese (Kau) and designate your gift in support of Neurology, should you so desire. <br> <br> <br>Please note that: Once the date is selected publish the time and place of the church service. <br> <br></div>
