In Loving Memory of Therese M. Hegnauer
Therese Hegnauer, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, was born on August 27, 1951, in Zürich, Switzerland. She passed away peacefully at the Canmore Hospital on December 10, 2023, in Canmore, Alberta, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Therese is survived by her devoted husband, Beat Hegnauer; sons Justin D. Hegnauer (Trista Hegnauer) and David J. Hegnauer (Nani Woollings); grandchildren Dylan and William; family in Switzerland - brother Fanz Frei (Monika), their children Patrick and Linda Frei; Urs and Elisebeth Hegnauer, Barbara Hegnauer, Marianne Hegnauer; and aunts Sr. Martha Frei and Marie Frei.
In August 1993, Therese and her family embraced a new chapter, making Canmore their home. She contributed significantly to the community through Valbella Gourmet Deli from 1993 to 2003 and, later in 2003 Therese’s Driving School. Therese's unwavering commitment to others and her compassionate nature kept this successful venture going until 2017.
A member of the Canmore Quilting Guild, Therese found joy in crafting and creativity. Her love for Switzerland, where her roots remained strong, was expressed through frequent visits. She cherished hiking in the mountains, biking, baking, and, most importantly, spending time with her family and friends. Her dedication extended beyond physical distances, as she maintained connections with loved ones worldwide.
Therese faced the challenges of cancer with remarkable strength and grace. On December 10th, 2023, she peacefully departed this world surrounded by her family at the Canmore Hospital. The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the medical teams at the Tom Baker Cancer Clinic, Canmore Hospital Acute Care, and Home Care. Therese felt that she was in excellent hands.
In lieu of flowers, Therese requested that donations be made to Canmore Home Care and Hospital: https://canmorehealthfoundation.com/donate/
The celebration of life will take place on Wednesday, January 24. 2024 at 14:00 h at the Malcolm Hotel in Canmore.
Therese's warm spirit, generosity, and love will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. May she rest in peace.
The Story of Therese and Beat
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Where our story does begin.
An innocent girl from Switzerland
Was to hear of the Cara Inn.
Aunt Margrit said “as you’re so fine
I’d like you to meet a friend of mine.
His name is Beat, a handsome Swiss lad.
Go meet him and I’ll be so glad.”
Therese then boarded an airplane.
Nervous at traveling herself.
To drop in at the Cara
To meet this Swiss Sous Chef.
She arrived at Malton safe and sound,
Then called me on the phone
“Please send the car to pick me up
Cause I’m over here all alone.”
Now Beat was in the lobby
Nervous! All of his 6 foot 4
While Therese was delivered shaking
Inside the Cara front door.
I came out to go to the “john”
Wondered what the heck is going on
Because with these two, strangers yet!
Neither one was moving a step.
I said, “excuse me are you Therese?”
Very nervous she answered “yes.”
They met, relaxed and both shook hands.
Then Beat said to her softly,
“This has been a strain on me,
C’mon let’s have a coffee.”
The rest of the story we all know.
Back to Switzerland Therese did go.
Her trip to Canada she couldn’t forget.
So she came back to be with Beat.
She had come here for a vacation
To the land of ice and snow,
But little did she know
That “Cupid” would shoot his bow.
Beat then a Sous Chef
He wasn’t very smart
Cause “Cupid” got him also
Directly in the heart!
Now wedding bells will be ringing
And we all think it’s swell.
They’ll be married in their homeland
With the best man – dear Marcel!
We wish them luck and lots of joy,
And may their first be a baby boy
And to add unto their happiness,
Second be a “sweet Swiss miss.”
To wish you health and lots of cheer,
And a happy life for many a year.
God Bless you both in your new life
And much happiness as man and wife.
