In Memory Of Stoll (nee Dittus), Magda

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Visitation (open)
Kane & Fetterly Chapel
5301 Decarie Blvd.
Montreal Quebec H3W 3C4
October 17th, 2021 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM

With Covid measures in effect, the family kindly request visitors to be fully vaccinated.


Memorial Service (by invitation)
Kane & Fetterly Chapel
5301 Decarie Blvd.
Montreal Quebec H3W 3C4
October 17th, 2021 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM

Magda Stoll (nee Dittus)

February 26, 1936 – September 30, 2021

“… the more loss we feel the more grateful we should be for whatever it was we had to lose.  It means we had something worth grieving for.  The ones I am sorry for are the ones that go through life not even knowing what grief is.” (Frank O’Connor)

To the outside world she was Magda Stoll (Dittus) but to us she was everything!  She was our Mami, our Nana, our Friend, our Rock!  Magda was born to her parents Hermann Dittus and Rosa Dittus (Widmer) on February 26th, 1936 in Lucerne, Switzerland. She was the middle child of three, having both an older brother (Edwin Dittus) and a younger brother (Othmar Dittus).  At the age of 5, she moved with her family to Zurich where she spent most of her childhood and early adult years. 

Magda was a very bright student and completed her studies in office administration.  She appreciated the power of being trilingual and so she spent a few months working in Neufchatel to improve her French, and a few months as an au pair in England to learn English. It was in Neufchatel that she met a charming young man named Robert Stoll and a friendship began. Her sense of adventure was so strong that she eventually took a leap of faith and followed her true love (aka boyfriend) to Montreal, Canada in 1961. Funny is that although they were in Montreal to experience a new culture, the majority of their friends were also Swiss!  Guess that happens when you join the Swiss Club of Montreal!

Magda and Robert got engaged in February, 1963 and then got married in Zurich in October later that year.  Still wanting to experience more opportunities in Canada, they decided they would return to Montreal for another 2 years.  Well, we all know how well that plan worked!

In 1964, the family textile business, Robertex, was created.  It was also the year that their lives changed forever … they became new parents.  Together they poured their heart and soul into raising 4 children: Beatrice, Thomas, Andrea, and Silvia. 

Magda’s life was filled with a lot of joy but also with a lot of sadness.  In September, 1993 Magda’s adventures with the love of her life ended. Becoming a young widow was certainly not in the plans but she was able to gather her strength and refocus her love into creating new memories.  Magda loved traveling to Switzerland and would go as often as she could.  She loved touring the many lakes by boat, traveling to the highest mountains, and exploring the many quaint villages.  She was an excellent tour guide and knew her country inside out!  She also became a regular traveler to Delaware, Cincinnati, and to Pittsburgh so she could spend time with her grandchildren living in the United States. 

Magda was also an excellent cook and baker.  She made the world’s best tiramisu, chocolate brownies, and many traditional Swiss dishes.  Her assortment of homemade Christmas cookies was certainly something to look forward to.

On a funny note, Magda and technology were not always the best of friends.  She was loyal to her home telephone and to some good’ol pen and paper.  She always had a quarter handy in her purse in case she needed to make a call from the phone booth (until they became obsolete).  Eventually the ipad became an “acquaintance” and facetiming with family became a regular occurrence.

At 5 feet tall, Magda was tiny but mighty. She had no enemies but always stood up for what was right.  Her motto was “if you’re going to do it, do it right”! She set high expectations and encouraged her children and grandchildren to do the same.  Never settle.

Although Magda was retired, she was always busy.  She adored her 7 grandchildren and welcomed many, many sleepovers, and tea parties.  She was always prepared with craft supplies, toys, and of course the best gift of all, time spent with them.  She made sure each grandchild felt special and loved and in return, they thought the world of her.  She treasured all of their homemade gifts and proudly displayed them in the house. She was interested in their stories when they were very young and never stopped listening to the present day. Nana gave from her heart and it was always sincere.

Magda was such a loving person and always put her family first!  She was not materialistic and her children, grandchildren, and family and friends meant everything to her.  She was always giving and never expected anything in return.  Magda was blessed to have 85 healthy, vibrant years and she lived them to her fullest.  She never had any complaints and so when we learned of her advanced ovarian cancer diagnosis on Monday, Sept 27th we were completely blindsided by the news.  Not knowing of her illness was the best gift ever!

The house will certainly not be the same without our Mami and Nana there.  One thing is certain though, her love will forever live within us.  Her inspiration, wisdom, and words of encouragement are pillars of strength and for that we are very grateful.  Magda will be deeply missed by her children Beatrice, Thomas, Andrea (late James Goldthorp), and Silvia (Avelino DeAndrade); her grandchildren Karina, Marissa, and Natasha Goldthorp; Isabel, Vanessa, Robert, and Marcelo DeAndrade; and by relatives and friends in Switzerland and in Montreal.

Mami, Nana, you make us very proud and we say, Thank You! Thank you for your love and for sharing your journey with us.  We love you and miss you so very much!  Please give a big hug to Daddy, to Jim, and to all those that are in heaven to greet you.  May you enjoy your endless trips to Switzerland and we look forward to feeling your presence in all that we do.  Hopp Schwiiz! 

Open visitation at Kane Fetterly Funeral Home, 5301 Decarie Blvd, Sunday October 17th, 2021, 1-3pm.  Memorial service 3-4pm by invitation.  With Covid measures in effect, kindly fully vaccinated only. In lieu of flowers, donations to NOVA West Island (www.novawi.org/home) are appreciated.  Many thanks to the doctors and nurses of the RVH for their exceptional care and compassion.  We love you Mami and Nana.  Thank you!  You are the best!