May 23, 1930 - November 3, 2020
It is with deep regret and sadness that we announce the passing of Grethe Kristoffersen. Grethe follows Toby her husband (66 yrs) and lifelong best friend, who sadly passed away in 2018. She is survived by sons Ken (Nancy), Gord (Leila), and daughter Kim (Chris), grandchildren Keyra, Kirk, Dana, Kyle, Kirsten, 9 great grandchildren, and her brothers Hank, and Ole (Barb).
Grethe led a full and complete life with Toby, filled with love and adventure. Born in Denmark, she immigrated to Canada in 1951 with her family(Nielsen's), and her brothers friend Toby. They settled in Nanaimo, where Grethe lived out her life, except for a short stint in Port Alberni.
Grethe's first job in Canada was shucking oysters at an oyster bar in Ladysmith, she moved onto working at the old Nanaimo Hospital for a few years, utilizing the nursing skills she had acquired in Denmark. Grethe married Toby in 1952. Together they opened a small deli business which eventually went on become Kristoffersen's European Delicatessen, a Terminal Park icon for 27 yrs.
Avid Sailors and travellers Grethe and Toby experienced many adventures together around the globe, both by air, land and sea (Nijoni Ato). They travelled to Mexico, UK, France, Russia, Samoa, sailing in British Virgin Islands & St Thomas, Hawaii, across North America(Sunseeker), and a cruise through the Panama Canal (50th anniversary).
After retiring Grethe and Toby spent summers on Vancouver Island sailing and winters snow birding in Mexico on their bus Sunseeker. Grethe and Toby an inseparable pair, partied with friends and family around the world, being gracious hosts their home was always a festive gathering place for friends and family.
Grethe will be sorely missed by friends and family alike.
Let us take solace in the knowledge, that they are reunited and their adventure continues.
It was Grethe's wish that there be no formal memorial service. Thank you