Albina Kornfeil

KORNFEIL, Albina (Valla) – Passed away peacefully with family by her side at Muskoka Shores Care Community, Gravenhurst, ON, Tuesday, August 20, 2019 in her 97th year.

Albina was born in the small community of Laksarska Nova Ves, Slovakia. She was happily raised by her grandparents in Vienna, Austria and received her education in German. In summers she reunited with her parents and helped on their potato farm. As a young woman Albina apprenticed as a furrier and became a highly skilled employee, making exquisite fur garments.

During WW11, Albina had dual citizenship allowing her to travel back & forth between the two countries. Albina told the story of one day being escorted by wagon from their farm by German soldiers to their captain. Since the soldiers did not get news of the war outside Slovakia they wanted to know what was happening in Europe and because Albina spoke German and commuted they knew she was aware of the status of the war. They learned about the bombing of Vienna and that it was an impediment for the Germans. Asked if she was afraid, Albina said “No, they wanted to know of the events and if the Germans were winning”. In 1954 Albina & her son immigrated to Canada; learning English in her first year. Albina began a lifetime career at the Gravenhurst TB Sanatorium and continued on when it transitioned to a facility for people with intellectual disabilities known as Muskoka Centre until she retired in July 1983.

Outside of work Albina was a talented horticulturist, winning best-in-the-show prizes for her blooms and vegetable preserves. In retirement, Albina travelled with friends to many countries.

Albina will be sadly missed by her daughter-in-law Alice Walla; her grandchildren James Walla, and Sharon Walla; great grandchildren Matthew Sutcliffe, Jesse Walla, and Codey Walla; cousins Kathy Shillinglaw, Terry Clarke, and Angela Clarke. Predeceased by her son Ernest Walla and parents Joseph and Mary Valla.

A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at 1:00 PM at St. Paul’s Church in Gravenhurst. Interment in Mickle Memorial Cemetery to follow.

Heartfelt thanks to Father Moran, Dr. Daniel and the staff at Muskoka Shores for friendship, guidance and care.

If desired, Memorial contributions to the CNIB or Salvation Army greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Cavill Funeral Home. Personal memories and condolences may be shared at www.cavillfuneralhome.com

Please leave the funeral home email address with the charity so we can forward the e-card to the family. info@cavillfuneralhome.com