Renate Rosa Furch (née Schmidt)

We share with great sadness that Renate Furch passed away on August 6th, 2025 with her husband Tony by her side. She fought a courageous long battle with cancer, and we are comforted to know that she is now resting in peace.

She was born in 1947 in Erbendorf, Germany where she studied before leaving for Vancouver, BC at the young age of 16 to help her sister Elli raise her young family. There she quickly became a member of the local German community and met her husband, Tony. They married in 1965, and Vancouver became her new home where she worked as an upholsterer before her daughters, Carmen and Sandra were born.

Family and home meant absolutely everything to Renate. She loved that her kids and grandkids were close by or just a quick text or Facetime away. Their home was always open for family and friends for a casual drop-in or special celebration with delicious food, Kaffee and Kuchen.

She loved to cook, bake, garden, knit, travel and watch travel shows with Tony, spend time with her Handarbeit Ladies, share her latest thrift store finds and watch her grandkids’ soccer, lacrosse and hockey games. She was full of energy, always ready to jump in to help and the biggest cheerleader to support and celebrate your good news.

Renate was however most of all known for her resilience and dignity. Throughout her illness, she faced every challenge with strength and grace, inspiring those around her with her courage and determination.

Renate is survived by her husband of 60 years Tony, daughters Carmen (Doug) and Sandra (Ralph), and grandchildren David, Erick (Marissa), Jacob, Lukas, Jessica and Sasha.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 19th at 11 am at Good Shepherd Church (2250 150 Street, Surrey).

We would like to thank all her doctors, and the staff at the Surrey Cancer Agency and Peace Arch Hospital for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.