Gizella “Gizi” DOKA

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Gizella “Gizi” Doka at the Fernie District Hospital on June 29, 2025, at the age of eighty-eight years.

Born in Bicske, Hungary, Gizi was a courageous and forward-thinking woman. Just six months after marrying László Doka on April 1, 1956, they made the bold decision to leave Hungary in search of a better life. Without telling their family, they left in the middle of the night pedaling their bicycles for days to reach Austria. As refugees, they arrived in Vancouver Canada on December 6, 1956, where they built a life surrounded by a strong Hungarian community and raised their three sons, Les (Jesse); Rob and Bill with love, language, tradition, and wonderful cuisine.

Gizi worked for many years at UBC Food Services. She was known for her resilience, optimism, and vibrant spirit. Her home was a welcoming place, filled with the aroma of Hungarian dishes, the sound of laughter, and the love she gave so freely. In 2017, she moved to Rocky Mountain Village in Fernie to be closer to family. She loved playing cards, bingo, tile rummy and watching her favorite tv shows. Gizi always brought joy and warmth to those around her and especially loved her two grandsons, Làszló and Viggo.

Gizi was predeceased by her husband, László (Les), in 2004, and by her beloved sons, William (Bill) in 2019 and Leslie (Jesse) in 2024. She is lovingly remembered by her son Robert; daughter-in-law, Teri; grandson, Adam; and grandson, Geoff along with his wife, Galatée and their sons, László and Viggo.

The Doka family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Drs. Lori Gadston and Lisa Tessler for their care upon Gizi’s arrival at FDH on June 20th, as well as to the entire nursing staff for their compassionate support during her stay. A special thank you to Dr. Shelly Forest for her dedicated care over the past eight years and for the gentle kindness she showed Gizi in her final days.

Special thank you to the Rocky Mountain Village staff who not only cared for Gizi but who loved her. Gizi loved you all and appreciated your care.

In lieu of flowers, donations if you so feel, can go to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Diabetes Canada, or a charity of your choice.

www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com