Thank you for visiting Halina's Memorial Page. We are so grateful that this page exists where we can keep photos of our beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend. Please feel free to download any photos you wish. We will keep adding to the album. If you have any photos you would like to share with the family or add to this site, please email Tamara at [email protected]. Thank you all very much. Halina loved everyone fully. Thank you for the part you played in her life.
It is with great sadness that the family of Halina Gail Struser announce her passing on January 9th, 2021. A caring and loving daughter, sister, mother, wife, and friend; she will be sorely missed by everyone whose lives she touched.
Halina led her life guided by compassion and love for people on both her professional and personal paths. She completed her Registered Nursing Diploma (R.N.) at the Montreal General Hospital in 1969 before attending Concordia University for her Bachelor of Community Health in 1976 and the University of British Columbia, where she graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in 1988.
Halina’s professional path began at the Veterans Hospital in Montreal where she worked on the Psychiatric ward, and then on the Surgical ward of the Montreal Children’s Hospital. It was during this time that she met Gerry Greenstone. They were married in 1976, and in 1977 she gave birth to their daughter, Tamara, shortly before moving to Vancouver.
Halina’s involvement in the establishment of the first ever part-time Nursing program in Canada at Kwantlen College in 1988 was one her proudest accomplishments. She was a founding faculty member, inspiring hundreds of nursing students to find their passions and learn the skills of their trade. More recently, Halina was a board member of the Peace Arch Hospice Society and took great satisfaction in her involvement in the children’s grief camp program.
Having an adventurous and open spirit, Halina (and Gerry) loved to travel and experience new cultures and saw much of the world in recent years. She found pleasure tending to her garden, walking her dogs and being with her family and friends.
Halina is survived by her husband Gerry Greenstone, daughter Tamara (John) Alefaio, sister Linda Botknecht, nieces Deborah (Randy), Caryn and nephew David (Alicia), sister Reesa Struser and nephews Jeremy (Mandy) and Adam, and many extended family members and friends that she loved so dearly. She was predeceased by her loving parents Frank and Bertha Struser.
Due to the health risks of the current Covid-19 pandemic, a memorial is yet to be planned. Memorial donations can be made in Halina’s name to the Peace Arch Hospice Society: peacearchhospice.org.
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Acerca de |
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| Nombre | Halina Gail Struser |
| Fecha de nacimiento | 22 junio, 1947 |
| Fecha de defunción | 9 enero, 2021 |
| Ciudad de origen | Montreal, QC, CA |
| Otra ciudad | Crescent Beach, BC, CA |
| Donación en memoria del difunto | Please Donate to Peace Arch Hospice Society |
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Familia |
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| Hermanos | Linda Botknecht, Reesa Struser |
| Padres | Bertha(Babs) Struser, Frank Struser |
| Hijos | Tamara Alefaio |
| Abuelos | Esther Annie Solomon, Harry Struser, Rachel Lackstein, Samuel Adam Suchachesky |
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Momentos importantes |
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| 1969 | Montreal General School of Nursing, Registered Nursing Diploma (R.N.) | ||
| 1972 | RN, Veterans Hospital in Montreal | ||
| 1975 | RN, Montreal Children’s Hospital | ||
| 1976 | Concordia University, Bachelor of Community Health | ||
| 1976 | Married Gerry Greenstone | ||
| 1977 | Daughter Tamara Born | ||
| 1977 | Moved to Vancouver | ||
| 1988 | University of British Columbia, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) | ||
| 1988 | Helped establish first ever part-time Nursing program in Canada at The Kwantlen Polytechnic University | ||
| 1988 - 1991 | Faculty Member and Teacher, The Kwantlen Polytechnic University | ||
| 2005 | Board Member, Peace Arch Hospice Society | ||
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published a tribute .
Dear Gerry and Tam...we have all shared many life events with you over the last many years and feel like you are the family one would choose. Our hearts are breaking for you both for having to carry on in a world without Halina in it. Fortunately memories live on in our hearts forever. She was a special person who provided love, joy, wisdom, friendship and authenticity.
"Never that which is shall die" (Euripides) May her memory be blessed.
publicó un comentario .
Hi George and Marilyn—yes you been great friends with whom we’ve shared much joy and good times. I really appreciate your sincere warm words about Halina and am heartened by her memory. Gerry
publicó un comentario .
I just learned about Halina's passing and the news hit me like a ton of bricks.We were very close in the years after Carleton and before her departure for Vancouver. We shared many happy times and crises over that time. My condolences to the family.
publicó un comentario .
Hi Philip --Halina had a long slow decline but now rests in peace. Thank you for your considerate remembrance of her. Gerry
publicó un comentario .
I was so sad to hear about my wonderful nursing instructor Halina’s passing. She made my studies enjoyable. RIP
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published a tribute .
Dear Gerry, Linda and Reesa
I just learned about Halina's passing. Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your dear wife and sister.
Halina and I caught up with each others' lives 7 years ago through corresponding on her Facebook page. I think she shared my excitement at rekindling a friendship and at the possibility of seeing each other and meeting our families. We fully intended to meet up, either in Vancouver or Ottawa. Alas we never realized our intentions.
A few years ago I found a packet of 10 cards that Halina made and sent daily to my mother when she was hospitalized. Halina was a young girl at the time, wise far beyond her years. Each card brought cheer and hope to my mother for another day. It was an extraordinary gift. Young Halina and my mother had a special bond.
We shared the love for each other's parents. Babs and Frank hold a very special place in my heart. In my older teens Frank liked to advise me on career and life. His advice ranged from the serious and helpful to hilarious. I loved it all.
I will never forget dear Halina.
Neil Tudiver
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published a tribute .
Gerry, very sad to read about Halina's death, you are in our thoughts and prayers, such a difficult time, and COVID is certainly not helping. Best Wishes from Brian and Deirdre O'Ruairc
publicó un comentario .
Hi Debbie—Thanks for your comment. Halina had a long, difficult illness but now she’s at peace. How are you doing? Gerry
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Dear Gerry and Tam,
This moment is so sad and heartbreaking for all of us. Our families met shortly after you arrived in Surrey and quickly we were united in a friendship that evolved into a family like extension. Gerry, Halina ,Tam and Boo along with our 5 children and families celebrated so many holidays and life events together. We loved Halina and will miss her so much. We will celebrate her life, when co-vid allows and all be together to toast her beautiful life! Halina left us too soon and for that we grieve. We will carry on and be thankful for all the memories we shared and treasured together.!.
We love you,
Zoe, Don and Family
Hi Zoe —thanks for your touching tribute. Yes we have great memories of the wonderful times we spent together. Halina and I always loved the warmth of your home and family. Gerry
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publicó un comentario .
Ah Halina…
Way back when, in the mists of time, you were such a help and support to me when my husband was so sick. If I had questions about meds or conditions, or if I should be taking him back to the hospital, you usually had answers…and you would follow along to see how things were going at a time when support was very welcome. You always made me feel that I could call you any time even though you were still working. You always had such compassion.
Thank you too for the many books which you introduced us to (book club) many of which concerned the lives of girls and women in other cultures, and the plight of the ‘different’ in our own culture. They always informed us and led to interesting discussions.
How we enjoyed your company on our Magical Mystery Tours…with reminders from you, as we set out, that we were not to lose sight of your car behind us, or you would not appear at our destination!!
You were always a good listener and a giver of calm, well thought advice when asked. And then there was the sparkle in your eyes and wonderful smile and mischievous sense of humour and you would have us all laughing
We will miss you, dear Halina.
Dear Tam and Gerry, I am so sorry for your loss. Jennifer
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
By Mary Elizabeth Frye
publicó un comentario .
Hi Jen—Many thanks for your wonderful words about Halina. She was always so caring and concerned about the well-being of others. That’s a lovely poem too! Gerry
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published a tribute .
To Halina's Family
I remember Halina from Northmount High School where we became close friends. She was a warm and caring person. I know that words are never enough, but please know that I am sending you my deepest condolences at this very difficult time. Manny Kalles
publicó un comentario .
Hi Manny —we have read so many lovely things about Halina and your comments are very much appreciated. Thanks, Gerry (husband)
publicó un comentario .
It is with great sadness we learnt of Halina's passing. Our most heartfelt condolences to the family. Halina was an amazing woman and valuable Board Member for the Peace Arch Hospice Society. She served as a Director from 2009-2016. She was also involved in our Children's Grief Camps and our events. She was always ready to lend a hand. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
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published a tribute .
Condolences to the bereaved family,
Dear Reesa we are truly sorry for your loss.
Marisa and Charles.
publicó un comentario .
Je vous présente mes plus sincères condoléances.
Courage dans cette dure épreuve. Je pense à vous
publicó un comentario .
Wishing Gerry & Tamara Long Life on the loss of Halina. I think it was 1979 the 3 of us made our first trip to Vancouver to visit you guys & of course my mother wanted to visit her aunt Rochelle. You made some trips to Ireland over the years & mum & I visited you in 2000 & we all met up at the near 1/2 way point of New York back in 98. I was delighted you Gerry & Halina finally made your long spoken about & dreamt trip to Isreal a few years ago & I was fortunate enough to be there & the 3 of us met up for a lovely few hours. That was the last time I was in Halina’s company. Just some of my memories from the years. Wishing you & all the family Long Life, Good health & no more sorrow. Hugs from cousin Bernard
publicó un comentario .
Hi Bernard—yes I remember well meeting up with you in Dublin, Vancouver, NYC and Israel and we really enjoyed our time together. For sure we have fond memories of those times and I really appreciate your comments and warm wishes! Gerry
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I miss you so much. Your wisdom strength and beauty inside and out. Thank you for being my sister and helping me when needed . So many memories of our trips schvestre reunions and laughter. I wake up everyday ang to bed every night with thoughts of you. Can’t wait til the day when I will stop hurting. Love You forever. Reess
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publicó un comentario .
Side by side or miles apart sisters will always be connected by their heart. I miss you and love you very much.
publicó un comentario .
The telephone is a great invention. I will miss our daily 3 way “Schvestre” conversations. Halina always had good advice and guidance. Since we did not live around the corner from each other it was our way of keeping close. I love and miss you.
publicó un comentario .
Yes I always admired the way the three of you always connected in love and warmth!
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published a tribute .
When did we start referring to members of our South Surrey/Langley book club as Sisters of the Book? Over the course of the past quarter century, us Sisters could always depend on Halina to suggest a “D” book for our monthly book club meetings: little “d” for somewhat depressing, and big “D” for really depressing. Her books were often difficult to read, not because they were depressing (we all LOVE depressing books), but because they were challenging, thought-provoking books that helped us better understand the world we live in with honest self-reflection. The last book that Halina planned to share with us (but sadly was not able to) back in September of last year was Rising Out of Hatred: The Awakening of a Former White Nationalist. What an absolutely timely book to help us reflect on the chaos around us these days! I will forever miss Halina’s “D” books, her self-deprecating sense of humour, and most particularly our time driving to (or rather, being driven to) our book club meetings, since neither one of us has any sense of direction.
publicó un comentario .
Hi Peggy—I was not a member of the book club (ladies only) but could appreciate it’s enduring value after more than 20 years. Halina loved the book club meetings and its members and always looked forward to getting together. It is sad that she never got to present her last book and I really appreciate your warm comments about her!
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published a tribute .
To the entire family, our condolences. My family (Rothstein) lived opposite Frank, “Babbs”, Linda, Halina, Reesa on Kent Avenue in Montreal. Halina and I played together with our neighbors and went to the same high school. I was so saddened to read of her passing. Her accomplishments were endless. Keep her wonderful memories alive forever. Thinking of all of you at this time. May your family be spared any further sorrow. Natalie Bassel, Sandy Pantel and David Rothstein.
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publicó un comentario .
We are so deeply sad about Halina’s death. She and I were friends for 38 years, sharing many major milestones in each other’s lives, laughing and crying together many times over the years. I will always miss her.
That is so touching, Diane, we will miss her too. I really appreciate your comment about dear Halina.
publicó un comentario .
When did we start referring to members of our South Surrey/Langley book club as Sisters of the Book? Over the course of the past quarter century, us Sisters could always depend on Halina to suggest a “D” book for our monthly book club meetings: little “d” for somewhat depressing, and big “D” for really depressing. Her books were often difficult to read, not because they were depressing (we all LOVE depressing books), but because they were challenging, thought-provoking books that helped us better understand the world we live in with honest self-reflection. The last book that Halina planned to share with us (but sadly was not able to) back in September of last year was Rising Out of Hatred: The Awakening of a Former White Nationalist. What an absolutely timely book to help us reflect on the chaos around us these days! I will forever miss Halina’s “D” books, her self-deprecating sense of humour, and most particularly our time driving to (or rather, being driven to) our book club meetings, since neither one of us has any sense of direction.
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publicó un comentario .
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