Teodora “Dora” Gerbrandt
Obituary
Beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Teodora “Dora” Gerbrandt is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Murray and their children Bryan (Ashley) Gerbrandt, Melissa (Brett) Stemkoski, her grandchildren Charles and Jayde Gerbrandt, her brothers Andreas (Robin) and Angelo (Susan), sisters-in-law Carol Dick and Lori (Jay) Lange along with many nieces and nephews.
Dora was predeceased by her parents Ioannis and Pinelopi Karadimas, sister Kula Schoenrock and brother-in-law Adolf Schoenrock, sister-in-law Gaye McDonald, in-laws Henry and Lillian Gerbrandt, as well as three precious grandchildren.
Dora was born on April 17, 1960, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. She married the love of her life, Murray, on July 23, 1983.
Dora followed her siblings to Canada at the age of eighteen, her parents followed soon after. She moved back and forth between siblings to help raise her nieces and nephews.
While Dora was staying with her sister and brother-in-law she was involved in the Lutheran Church Youth Group. One outing took her to a social in Friedensfeld where she caught Murray’s eye.
A year later they were married and purchased their first home in Steinbach. Murray’s Friedensfeld roots moved them to their second home close to where he grew up. A family was started, welcoming their first child, son, Bryan in 1988. Three years later Melissa was born. They lived there until Murray’s father’s passing in 2002 when they moved to their final and current home.
Throughout her life, Dora held many different positions, including working at Hadashville Pine Tree Plantation, Friedensfeld Community Centre, Derksen Printers, Toro, Uncle Jake’s, and Southern Health in housekeeping. She was also an active volunteer with the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba and Bethesda Place, among other callings of service. Dora had a generous spirit and a deep commitment to helping others. Dad often remarked that she sought to support those on the margins of society.
Dora loved talking to people and truly loved everyone she met. She enjoyed her life in the Steinbach community but was also proud of her ties to Brazil and her Greek heritage as she was excited to speak Greek to anyone who understood.
Sadly, not long ago, her memory started to fail her. It affected her work which led to retirement in July 2021. The decline progressed rapidly and by November she was diagnosed with Dementia (Alzheimer’s).
In the care of Murray and four wonderful ladies helping Dora, she was able to continue living at home for another year. In 2023, Mom moved to the Heritage Life Personal Care Home in Niverville where she could receive 24/7 care. In January 2026 her condition worsened and was then able to move to Rest Haven Care Home in Steinbach.
On Monday, August 17, 2026, with her family by her side she passed away peacefully.
The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for the care she received at the Heritage Life Personal Care Home and Rest Haven Care Home.
A funeral service is planned for 2:00 pm, Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 465 Henry St, Steinbach, Manitoba.
