Josef and Elfrieda

Josef & Elfrieda Gabriel originally resided in a small village known as Staffelstein, in the Oberfranken area of Bavaria, Germany. They were newly married in 1952, with Josef having apprenticed for and certified as a skilled carpenter in this highly sought-after trade in Germany’s re-build following World War II. His wife Elfrieda (nee Tluczykont) was a homemaker with a background in assisting kindergarten children.

Shortly after Josef & Elfrieda’s marriage in April 1952, they sought out the opportunity to move to Canada where they would potentially have a better opportunity to own their own house and eventually raise a family. Thus, under a Canadian Government sponsorship/immigration programme, they left Germany and arrived at Pier 21, Halifax, Canada via the sailing ship, the Anna Salen on June 25th, 1953. They made their way to the Toronto, Ontario area and eventually purchased their much sought after first house in Toronto itself and raised a family of two children, Renate & Ralph.

Josef & Elfrieda never forgot their roots and remained in close contact with their respective families back in Germany. They were the only ones in their family to make, what was then, the bold step of moving overseas to a new land & opportunities thereof. Josef had a successful career as a carpenter in Canada having owned several residences and a much beloved & self built lakeside family cottage.