November 8, 1947 - April 6, 2022
In loving memory ~
Dagmar van Stam (née Konečná) passed away peacefully at home in Calgary.
Dagmar was born in Teplice and raised in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic). In her youth she loved classical music and sang in the Ostrava city choir, touring nationally. She graduated from a technical college for chemistry in Ostrava.
At age 21, Dagmar immigrated to Canada in 1968 after Soviet-led Warsaw Pact forces invaded Czechoslovakia. Shortly after arriving in Canada, she moved to Calgary, then to Fernie in 1975 where she raised two daughters and lived for 30 years. A devoted mother, she volunteered many hours for the Fernie Snow Valley Ski Team and Fernie Figure Skating Club. She had a varied career as a chemist, office manager, bank teller, and in accounts payable. She also volunteered to help create the opening ceremonies for the 1987 BC Winter Games in Fernie.
In 1995, Dagmar fell in love with Bill van Stam, owner of Fernie's Quality Bakery. Together they enjoyed travel, theatre, camping with their motorhome, nightly walks along the dike in Fernie and, after they moved to Calgary in 2004, Fish Creek Park, all with many laughs.
In 2014, she suffered a severe stroke. She braved paralysis and related complications for eight years. Bill lovingly cared for her, and laughter was still at the heart of their connection through it all.
Dagmar is survived by husband Bill van Stam, daughters Monica Kosmak (Russell Black) and Lenka Hawrys (Dave), stepchildren Armand, Michelle, Marcel, and Renee van Stam, grandson Jack Hawrys, and step-grandchildren.
At Dagmar's request there will not be a funeral. A private family gathering will be held at a later date. Anyone wishing to donate in Dagmar's memory may do so to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.