Ingeborg (Inge) Maria Magdalena Pechlaner, PhD

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Inge Pechlaner.

Inge was born in Grosswangen, Lucerne, Switzerland, the eldest of four siblings. Fiercely independent and intellectually curious, Inge defied conforming to the patriarchal standards of her time. She earned a Phd in Sociology at time when Swiss women, among other things, were unable to vote in local, regional and national elections, a testament to her intellectual drive, her strength of conviction, and her sheer stubbornness.

In 1967, she moved to Burnaby with her then-husband Dr. Edgar Pechlaner and eldest daughter, Elisabeth. In 1968, they were joined by daughter Gabriele. When Inge and Edgar divorced, she moved to Vancouver where she advanced her career in psychotherapy and raised her children.

While her children were her priority, Inge was a compassionate mental health provider, helping many people over the course of her career in both public and private practice. Over the years, it wasn't uncommon for people she had worked with to contact her to express their gratitude.

Upon her retirement, Inge moved to a small acreage in Agassiz, whose green fields and mountain backdrop were a fond reminder of her native Switzerland. Inge took great delight in hosting her family there. She had a special relationship with her first grandchild, Selina, and they spent many weekends together in Agassiz roasting potatoes in the fire and visiting nearby lakes.

In 2010, facing some cognitive challenges, Inge moved in with her youngest daughter’s family until her advancing dementia required that she move into full time care in 2016, where she lived the remainder of her life.

Inge is survived by her daughters, Elisabeth (Charles) and Gabriele (Dan), along with her grandchildren Selina, Noah, Lucie and Robin, her sister Lotte (Mario) and numerous nephews and nieces and extended family in Europe.

The family is grateful for the care provided by the staff of Arbutus Care Centre.

Inge was a giving person, who cared deeply for her family and those who sought her assistance. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Society of British Columbia.