Born August 14, 1935 to Georg and Ingrid Andreasen. Married to Ramon John Hnatyshyn in 1960. Graduate in Dietetics and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan and Royal Victoria Hospital School of Dietetics, Montreal. Predeceased by Parents and by her husband. Survived by sons John (Marisa) of Ottawa and their daughter Katie; and Carl (Svitlana) of Sarnia and their sons Andy, Alexander and Daniel; by her brother Peter Andreasen (Sandra), brother in law David of Saskatoon, and sister in law Elizabeth of Portland, Oregon; and relatives in Denmark. Since Ray passed away, Gerda has been the driving force to complete the project he began: the Hnatyshyn Foundation, dedicated to promoting and funding emerging, developing and mid-career artists and curators in Canada through scholarships and prizes.
During Ray's tenure as the 24th Governor General of Canada, Gerda served as the Chatelaine of Rideau Hall and represented Canada in welcoming foreign dignitaries and Canadians to Rideau Hall. Later in her life, Gerda authored a book about Rideau Hall, with a focus on bringing the stories of the Governor General's house and in particular the staff who serve at Rideau Hall to the public. Following the conclusion of Ray's term as Governor General, Gerda began to raise funds for the completion of the Canadian Heritage Garden, located on the grounds of Rideau Hall. This installation, open to the public, serves as both a horticultural exhibit, filled with countless varietals of roses, and marks the development of the Canadian nation and democracy, with flowers and monuments dedicated to Canada's First Nations and the successive waves of immigrants that have built this country. Gerda brought the same energy to her family and friends as she did to her public service; for those who were able to meet her, she personified grace, compassion and dedication. To assist young Canadians studying and coaching in the arts, memorial donations may be made to the Hnatyshyn Foundation (www.rjhf.com)