Karin "Mutti" Charlotte Esser

Mum was born October 7th, 1940 during the war to Heinz and Maria Frye in Dusseldorf Germany. Our mum was a victim of the war. She sadly lost her father at the age of four.

She loved her dad and did not want her mum to marry anyone else. Her mother was an amazing woman who tried to do the best for her two children. She was a businesswoman who sold radios. For some time, mum and her brother were at a Catholic boarding school. Mum always says she wanted to escape with her brother.

Mum told us that when she was young one of the boys in the neighborhood was Peter Esser. At the time, she did not like him much. That all changed when as a teenager she was invited to a birthday party for one of the Essers brothers. When mum arrived at the house, Peter opened the door. Mum said, "And that was it!" They fell in love deeply. They had a small civil ceremony as Opa Esser had just passed away. Mum loved Opa Esser and he truly was a father to her. While in Germany mum gave birth to their first daughter Suzanne. Always the adventurers, with no fear they set out by ship in 1967 in search of a better life in Canada. They were very proud to be Canadian. Work led them to the North and initially settling in Dawson City Yukon where their second daughter Caroline was born. Their third daughter Jacqueline born in Clinton Creek Yukon. Mum looked back at her fondest time living off the land, no running water, in a cabin.

They spent many years in Clinton Creek, Yukon and later would settle in Abbotsford, British Columbia where they had a lovely home. Mum was so hospitable and always made everyone feel so welcome. She was the home keeper extraordinaire. Her home was lovely. Mum has always been an amazing cook and could cook anything that our dad could catch. She was also an expert gardener and no matter where we lived, we had one of the most beautiful gardens. At Christmas, mum always turned into Mrs. Claus and would decorate the whole house. She made Christmas beautiful. It really is true that mum's passion was her husband, family, and home. When any of us were sick, mum was always there to care for us.

Mum had many lovely friends, which she maintained throughout her life. Mum often would have dinner parties at home for her friends. Mum had a Can-Do attitude. Throughout the many struggles of life, she would always give a 100% to find a way. Mum had many different jobs to help dad during the hard times. She was a cleaner at the police station and the airport. She worked as a beautician at the local shopping center. She was recognized as the highest selling Avon lady in our neighborhood at the time. If needed she would even work as a waitress. Our mum was amazing. Mum was so pretty, and she loved her cosmetics and fashion. She has always been a very classy lady. Our dear mum will always live on in us. For some time now mum has endured many struggles with her health, and she wanted nothing more than to be with Daddy. She always called her husband “Daddy” because she lost her own dad at such a young age. We are at peace, and we believe that the two lovebirds are reunited.

Karin is predeceased by her husband Peter Esser in 2022, daughter Suzanne Riddoch in 2010 and son-in-law Jim Mayer in 2003.

She is survived by her brother Guenter Frye and his family, her daughters; Caroline (Rod) Stoner, Jacqueline (Dan) Kenward, and all the fabulous grandchildren: Brandi (Adam) Riddoch, Peter (Emily) Stoner, John (Natalie) Stoner, Joel Stoner, Mackenzie (Kayla) Mayer, and the great grandchildren. Spencer, Willow, Otis, Titus, and Victoria. Thank you for blazing the road ahead of us mum and for being such an exceptional example of a human being. You have been and will remain a true inspiration.

We will forever love you……

A private family gathering will take place at a later date.