KULICH, Birthe Lasse
June 1, 1928 - April 11, 2020
With profound sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of Birthe Kulich, who died peacefully on April 11, 2020.
Birthe was born in Copenhagen, Denmark on 01/06/1928 and married Jindra, the love of her life, in 1954. The couple emigrated to Vancouver, where she and Jindra raised their two sons, Peter and Martin. She was predeceased by her sister and brother as well as her devoted husband.
Birthe lived a full and happy life, first and foremost as a caring mother and proud grandmother and second as a pioneer of the Carl Orff approach to children's music education in Canada. She was a teacher, educator, author and champion of Orff Schulwerk, and she found joy every day in the musical expression and imaginative play of children. Birthe's career was focused on pre-school children, and she had a passionate and lifelong commitment to their development.
As a writer she co-authored, with Joe Berarducci, the "Windsong Recorder Series," and subsequently wrote "Growing With Music: Friendly Bear's Song Book", a treasure chest of songs and music activities for young children.
Birthe loved good food and socializing as well as going to concerts, dance events, plays and movies. She also cherished music-making with friends, whether on recorder or piano, and enjoyed folk dancing and hiking with husband Jindra. She had a wonderful smile that could light up a room.
Birthe and Jindra travelled extensively in Europe, where they patronized openair museums, folk art and music exhibitions and simple cuisine. She had a profound sense of family and maintained strong and active connections throughout her life with her many Danish relatives.
Birthe is survived by her two loving sons Peter (Vera) and Martin, and grandson Johannes, all of whom she inspired in countless ways. She was full of magic and sparkle and filled our lives with joy.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Birthe in the coming months, once we are past the COVID-19 pandemic and can gather together in her honour.