Elfriede Khes
July 29, 1938 – November 6, 2025
With profound sadness, the family of Elfriede Khes announce her passing on November 6, 2025, at the age of 87.
A loving wife of 66 years to Josef Khes, Elfriede will be forever remembered and loved by herchildren, Rosemarie (Dennis 1953-2022), Doris (Ron), and Brenda (Les), and by her grandchildren, Deidre (Alexander) and Adrian Khes-Kovacs, and Nicole (Chris) and Deanna(Justin) Khes-Grabiec, and her great-grandchildren, Georgia, Bowen, Walker, and Eleanor.
She is predeceased by her parents, Fred and Marie Keul, her brother, Fred Keul, and her son-in-law, Dennis Graham. She is survived by her brother, Rick (Donna) Keul and sister, Betty (Murray) Moreau.
Family was most important to Elfriede. She was devoted to Joe. She cherished her children and grandchildren, all their partners, and her great-grandchildren. She included all their dogs in her far-reaching embrace of love.
Elfriede was loving, kind, caring, friendly, strong, smart, and pragmatic. She was generous in every way. Her passion for feeding people was boundless, and her legendary cooking and baking were widely appreciated and complimented. She was always the first to lend a hand. Elfriede believed in the best of people and her capacity for grace and forgiveness was humbling.
Elfriede was born in a tiny village in Romania in 1938 where the first precious years of her life were spent in the loving care of her parents. She and her little brother, Freddie, had a sweetdog named Waldi, who was their constant companion. The Second World War shattered their lives – separating them from their parents and the home life they knew. After the war, the family was reunited in Austria from where, in 1952, they departed for Canada to build a new life.
While the first few years in Hamilton were very hard, Elfriede learned to speak English, developed lasting friendships and community through the German Lutheran Church and learned bookkeeping skills that led her to her first job. At 18 she joined the Germania club where she met the love of her life, Joe. Together they danced at every dance—always the first and last to leave the floor, and were active members of the club. In 1959, Elfriede and Joe married, and by 1964 they had three children and had built their dream home.
Elfriede worked several jobs over the course of her life, managed the family home, sewed clothes and costumes, and chauffeured her children and grandchildren to countless appointments, lessons, and parties. She was an adored Oma, who was never without home-baked cookies, cupcakes or brownies. Most recently, she marveled at the birth of her four great-grandchildren, calling each one her “sunshine”—for the light they brought into her life. Elfriede welcomed everyone warmly into her home. She nurtured meaningful, long, lasting friendships and cared genuinely and deeply for people.
Elfriede loved to travel. With Joe, she traveled far and wide, including countries throughout Europe, Central and South America, Mexico, the Caribbean, the United States, and Canada. For 10 years, she and Joe spent a few months each winter in their home in Florida, where their children and grandchildren were always welcome.
A visitation will take place on Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 at Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, Dundas, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. A funeral service will follow at 10:00 a.m., with a small reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation, CNIB Guide Dogs, or Citykidz would be greatly appreciated.
We are sorry for your loss. Condolences to you and your families
-Sonja,Emily, Jordan and Sarah
My deepest condolences to the Khes Kovacs family. My most vivid memory of Deidre’s beloved Oma is from when we visited Deidre’s Oma and Opa in their vacation spot in Florida. They opened up their trailer to us 20somethings and treated us all like their grand-daughters. I remember feeling so spoiled by Oma. She would leave chocolates by our bedside. As hungry university students, we would gobble them up! But, by morning the crystal bowl would be filled up again! When we went on a day trip to the beach, we opened up the cooler to find “snacks” Oma packed for us. These “snacks” would be a 3 course meal in any other household! Complete with a roast! For me, as someone who was living away from home for the first time, to be so spoiled by Deidre’s loving grandmother felt like receiving a long, warm embrace. She really facilitated a beautiful trip between friends and I am so grateful for that! Thank you, Oma, for welcoming us so warmly into your Florida vacation spot. You are such a generous and bright person! I marvel at Deidre’s baking, cooking and hospitality all the time and I am certain she learned that from you.
Our deepest sympathies to the Khes family and all who loved Elfriede. Never without her beautiful smile.
Scott & Roni Legare
Our condolences to the loving friends and family. Especially Elfriede’s husband Josef, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and brother and sister. We offer our special condolence to Brenda and Les. May she Rest in Peace. Wishing everyone, and with heartfelt friendship the most joyful of memories for you Brenda and Les.
My deepest condolences to the entire family Elfriede was a wonderful woman and a fantastic cook!!! She left a lifetime of beautiful
memories
Our deepest condolences to Khes family. Elfriede was a lovely woman and will be deeply missed.
My heart & thoughts are with your family during this very difficult time. I will always have the fondest memories of Elfriede from my childhood into my adult life. Always enjoyed her infectious smile and thoughtful generosity. She baked the best Christmas goodies ever and I loved how she embraced tradition in her family. There will be an incredible void in her family’s life. Hugs to you all. Alison xoxo
Our sincere condolences to Joe and family on the loss of a wonderful wife and mother. We are saddened by Elfride’s passing, a friend and neighbor of 30+years. We spent a lot of time together, morning coffee on the porch, Happy Hours, delightful suppers and animated canasta games. Elfriede was a great support when my Mother was ill. 1I will never forget her kindness and caring. Rest now Elfriede. Love Linda and Terry