ESSIG, Sigrid (SIGI) Dietlinde, nee: Scholl July 24, 1927 - April 27, 2014 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sigi. She leaves behind her husband of 58 years, Niels Essig and daughter Diana Anderson and son-in-law Robert Anderson as well many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and other special family members (related and unrelated) and countless friends, too numerous to mention. Sigi will always be remembered as a lady and a "duchess" with great style and class. Anyone who met her immediately loved her. She had a way of putting people at ease, was always interested in other's lives and was quick to smile and give you a warm embrace. She had a quiet strength and limitless energy even up to the last days of her life. Her hair and make-up always done and an outfit that only a designer could put together. She embraced her final days with dignity and grace crossing over to God, at home, and in the arms of her beloved Niels. Having moved to Kelowna in 2002 to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law, it afforded her some of the best years of her life. For the next 12 years, the Grand Hotel would be their walking destination every day where they would stop and have a coffee and tea before walking back to their condo. It quickly became a gathering of neighbours, friends and staff alike. The employees of the Delta Grand and other business owners would soon become like an extended family to them. Sigi loved Kelowna as it reminded her of her life in Germany. She was born in Backnang, a beautiful little town in southern Germany. She would later meet the love of her life, Niels, in the bookstore she worked at in Backnang. They married in 1956 in a small white chapel in Winnipeg, where they would spend the greater part of their life raising their one and only child, Diana. Sigi had an amazing career at Eaton's as a fashion coordinator. She loved her job and the people she worked with and they quickly became part of our extended family. Not only did a full time career consume much of her time, but also their cottage at Lake Winnipeg. One would have to see it to believe the park like setting they created in the middle of the bush. They called it "Haus Waldfrieden" (Peace in the forest). Sigi's love of beauty, nature, flowers, trees, animals and people inspired her throughout her life. She was creative and talented not only with fashion and decorating, as well, she wrote beautiful poetry. We will all miss her warm smile and her kind and generous heart. You will forever be in our hearts. You are now in the arms of God and with your loved ones in Heaven. A special thank you to Dr. Marty Steinruck and Cindy for their great care and loving hearts. As much as Sigi loved her flowers, she would rather you donate to the Kelowna Gospel Mission, Salvation Army or SPCA. She always felt so blessed and wanted to help those in need. A Celebration of Sigi's Life will be held on Tuesday, May 20 at the Delta Grand Hotel at 2:00 p.m. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com 250-860-7077