Dr. med Inge Bundesmann (born Heinze) came into this world in Berlin, Germany accompanied by her twin sister, Susanne. Both of them were taught to swim early in life and Inge took to swimming like a fish to water. She became European champion which allowed her to travel throughout Europe while competing. Her love of winning developed early in her life.

During World War II, she completed her medical degree in Berlin earning a PHD for her research in breast cancer. She was fortunate to have had the opportunity to intern at the Charite hospital in Berlin and be a student of the world renowned surgeon, Professor Dr. Ferdinand Sauerbruch.

After the war, she left Berlin and with her husband, Horst Bundesmann, settled in the town of Wolfenbuettel. They married in a small white church called, Johannes Kirche. In her new life as a family doctor and wife, she practiced medicine for fifteen years. Over the next few years, the family grew to include two daughters, Gisela and Ulrike.

Inge, always an active person, exchanged her bathing suit for a tennis racquet. Her passion for tennis continued for the rest of her life. From the time she and Horst joined the Wolfenbuettel Tennis Club in the 1950's until she had to retire from the active playing at the age of 82 in Toronto at the Tam Heather Country Club.

As a family doctor in Wolfenbuettel, Germany, her patients loved her. Her daughters, however missed her because her time spent with family was so limited. The post war period, of course was a difficult time for those who survived. It was all about rebuilding, celebrating and if children had peace, a safe place to sleep and enough food; it was all they needed.

By 1961, with the Cold War in Europe, the political situation in Germany had become unsafe in the minds of Horst and Inge. They took a giant step and emigrated to Canada; what they and their daughters never regretted. Canada welcomed them and offered a new sense of opportunity and freedom. Unfortunately and very sadly Horst passed away in 1966. He had established a good living as a realtor. Inge, was working part time at the Women's College Hospital. In order to spend more time with her daughters, she decided to return to university and became a certified secondary school teacher. She taught Biology and after earning a degree in German Literature also taught German at Markham District High School in Markham, Ontario from 1968 until 1985.

It is not difficult to see what an active person she was; how much energy she could call her own! Therefore, she didn't only do her job and stay home. Oh no! She travelled extensively with the students in her German classes, her daughters, alone and later with her grandchildren. She often returned to Germany to visit family and after her retirement spent 19 winters in Barbados.

As a Gemini, two souls lived in her chest, "Zwei Seelen, ach, in einer Brust" often caused conflict in her family life. Excessive strength of character that allowed her to survive can also be difficult.

Yes, she stayed active and mobile into her golden years, playing tennis with two artificial hips until the tender age of 82. She travelled alone to Barbados until 90 and played many games of solitaire until the age of 100.

No lesser person than Inge, therefore, could be expected to be 101 years and 10 months old. She always knew how to make the best of any situation: I can't see well enough to read, I'll listen to books . . . I can't play tennis anymore, I'll watch on TV.

Farewell, Inge, your stamina in all adversity was admirable and continues to be great example to your family and friends.

In Lieu of flowers the family would welcome donations to Doctors without Borders at www.doctorswithoutborders.ca