Siggy Kraemer was born Sigrid Helene Gertrud Stadelmeier on April 24, 1944, in Koenigsberg, Germany.
The youngest of three children for Frieda and Jakob, Siggy grew up in Berlin, where she met and married Uwe Kraemer. They had two children, Ilja and John, before immigrating to Canada. Soon after their arrival, third child, Jim arrived.
Sigrid and Uwe moved from Vancouver to Surrey, before settling down to raise their family in Chilliwack. Siggy and Uwe forged many great friendships, many lasting through today.
With their kids grown, Siggy and Uwe welcomed grandchildren; Jennifer and Mike (Ilja) and Allyssa, Shane and Danielle (Jim). Siggy welcomed great-granddaughter Hailey (Mike) into the family in 2005.
Sigrid and Uwe moved away for several years, first to Calgary, then Kamloops, before returning home to Chilliwack in 2008.
Siggy fought valiantly her 14-year battle with cancer with Uwe always by her side. Throughout it all, she maintained her stubborn optimism and instinct to fight. She taught us all a great many lessons just by being herself.
She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. The world has a little less sunshine without her.
Siggy was predeased by her parents, Jakob and Frieda and her brother Horst.
Siggy leaves behind her sister, husband and best friend, Uwe, their children Ilja (Steve), John (Crystal) and Jim (Nicole), as well as grandchildren, a greatgranddaughter, and many extended family members. She also leaves behind sister Terry (Dieter Haas) and family, niece Gabby and family, and nephew Michael and family, both of Germany.
On June 26, 2009, Siggy, with her husband Uwe by her side, passed away peacefully.
A Celebration of Life was celebrated at the Chilliwack General Hospital Chapel, where Siggy had spent many months, on Friday, July 3, 2009.
Siggy spent her last remaining days at the Cascade Hospice, where both she and family received excellent care.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request that donations be made to the Chilliwack Hospice Society by mail at 45360 Hodgins Ave., Chilliwack BC, V2P 1P5, by phone 604-795-4660, www.chilliwackhospice.org/donations.
The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, thoughts and support during this difficult time.
Siggy would not want us to say that she lost her battle with cancer, but rather that she took it down with her!