Lisa Boehnisch

Lieselotte (Lisa) Boehnisch passed away peacefully in Banff

early Sunday morning on January 12, 2020 surrounded by her

loving family at the age of 75.

Lisa was born in Vienna, Austria on March 27, 1944. Her father,

Otto Sturm was an avid hiker, mountaineer and ski jumper.

Otto instilled his love of the mountains onto Lisa and this love,

as well as a unbridled sense of adventure made Lisa decide to

spend "one year" working in the beautiful Rocky Mountains.

Therefore, on May 21, 1962 at the age of 19, Lisa arrived in

Lake Louise, Alberta to start her summer job. Four months later

Lisa moved Banff where she was quickly befriended by the sporty local Austrian/German contingent. Those early friendships remain solid

to this day and through those friends she met her future husband, Guenther Boehnisch. The two were married in Banff on March 21, 1964, just 6 days' shy of her 21st birthday. Lisa and Guenther welcomed their first child, a daughter, Mischi in 1967 and a son, Mark in 1970. With two young children in tow, Lisa worked as a secretary for Guenther's new landscaping business from 1968 until 2006. She also worked many years at Bumpers as a waitress and took great pride in keeping everything running smoothly and efficiently. Lifelong friendships were created amongst the Bumpers crew and Lisa always treasured her "annual Bumpers girls get away trip" to the cabin.

Lisa was a keen downhill skier and hiker, she especially enjoyed hiking with the kids and her beloved Mother, Steffi who would travel from Vienna and spend every second summer in Banff. As much as Lisa loved the mountains, she was also a passionate scuba diver and wind surfer. She travelled to exotic dive locations and would often happily leave Guenther and the kids behind in the frigid Banff winters to go diving in Egypt, Maldives, Tahiti, Guadeloupe, Mexico and Martinique. "It's ok Mom, we forgive you!" Occasionally though, she would allow the family to meet up with her after a week or so of diving and consequently, we enjoyed many a warm tropical vacation together.

Unfortunately, her worldwide solo wanderings to find new, cool dive spots was cut short when she suffered a stroke in 1987. From that point forward her active life style changed dramatically. She still travelled but most often in the company of her daughter, Mischi. Lot's of laughing, giggles and fun was had on trips to Europe, Mexico, Victoria, B.C and Disneyland. And yes, Mother and daughter rode all the rides together at Disneyland, even the Matterhorn when it still was a two-person sled….!

Lisa's greatest joy in the last 20 years had been being an Oma to her six grandchildren. Oma was the most patient, loving and compassionate Oma/babysitter to all her grandchildren. Oma never said "no" to even the most panicked short notice phone call to come babysit at whatever hour.In the later years of her life, Lisa enjoyed spending her time at home and down at the cabin with her family and her puppy named Marley. She even managed to sneak away for several annual solo road trips out to the B.C. interior, leaving Marley in the somewhat dubious care of Guenther! Lisa was always looking for the next adventure.

Even though she has left this world, her adventures are not over…

Lisa is survived by her husband of 55 years, Guenther and will be deeply missed by her children, Mischi and Mark (Nicky) and her grandchildren which were her pride and source of much joy,

Hunter, Bryce, Tia, Griffin, Talia and Sabrina. We love you Oma….

Many heartfelt thanks to Dr. Hoegh-Petersen and the

caring nursing staff at the Banff Mineral Springs Hospital.

As per Lisa's wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held in the summer. A celebration of life will be planned and announced at a later date.

Mom was an animal lover and friends wishing to remember Lisa are encouraged to donate in her memory to NSW WIRES to help the Australian wildlife affected by the bush fires.

https://www.wires.org.au/donate/emergency-fund

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.