Greta Sylvia (Pierce) Fotsch

Our beloved Mother, Nana and friend, Greta Sylvia Fotsch, returned to her Father in Heaven on January 26, 2025 at the age of 94. Greta was proper, witty, devout and British to the core. Her final words were asking the doctor "how did you get so handsome and charming?" which put a smile on his face. She passed away hand in hand with her sweet friend Coleen.

Born to Fred and Geertje Pierce on September 24, 1930 in South Shields England, she grew up during the depression which lead to frugality and the saving of everything (candy wrapper and all). She would talk about those days as a young girl of nine who had lost her dad in an industrial accident and how hard it was. She could still remember her war time identification number as her town was particularly devastated as a ship building community by the sea. As the youngest of four children, Greta was sharp and the top of her class although she was unable to finish school at that time due to financial necessities. 

In 1952, her Sister in law, Jean, was meeting with missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Greta decided to join her in the discussions to find fault and dissuade Jean from joining. After much soul searching and learning, Greta decided, "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!" She joined the Church and was a devout member for the rest of her life. One of her favourite quotes was "teach the gospel at all times - and if necessary use words."

In 1958, Greta and her friend, Liz, bravely boarded the ship, Arcadia, for an eight day journey from England to Halifax (it was her first taste of luxury). From there they took a two day train to Edmonton to meet a friend living there. Later in life they were often amazed at their bravery to take such an adventure. 

On July 1, 1969, Greta and Reger went on their first date to Harrison Hotsprings and were married 9 months later which made Greta the step-mother to 7 grown children. In July 1971, Greta gave birth to "her only egg" Jared Martin Fotsch (her big Sasquatch). They settled on a farm in Pemberton. One day she came outside to find a big bear next to 9 month old Jared! She screamed at the bear and it ran away. It was a far cry for a proper English woman far from her seaside town in England.

In 1974, Greta and Reger adopted three siblings to raise. In one fell swoop she had four children under the age of three. Shortly after, she ran a daycare in her home. For the rest of her life, she was often visited and contacted by those children she cared for.

When Greta was 66; Reger (71) decided he needed a larger farm so they moved to Turtle Valley where mom made many friends. In 2010 Reger passed away, but Greta remained on the farm for another couple years. For a woman who never learned to drive that was quite a feat.

At age 80, Greta hit the road. It was time to do some travelling! First to England, then to Switzerland where Reger was from and finally to Holland where her mother had grown up. 

After a few wonderful years in Enderby, she found her own place in Sicamous where she lived for the past seven years. She was often seen walking the neighborhood and meeting strangers who became friends. She loved her little home and her many wonderful neighbours. It was perfect for her. To the end she enjoyed doing puzzles, talking with friends on the phone and beating Jared at Scrabble. She was not tech-savvy but enjoyed an occasional FaceTime with her friends and family around the globe. Her friends got a kick out of looking into her ears or up her nose until she got the video sorted. 

The family is forever in debt to MANY kind neighbours and friends, especially Del and Coleen Purnell, for all of their love and care for mom. We couldn't have done it without you. 

The funeral service will be held on February 4, 2025 at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Salmon Arm. All are welcome!

Arrangements are being made by Bowers Funeral Home.

Salmon Arm Ward is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
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