Elisabeth, our mom, at the age of 26 while 7 months pregnant
with Alexandra, immigrated to Canada in 1960 with her first born
Britta and her husband Franz. They sailed from Hanover
Germany. They settled first in Toronto, and then moved to the
Niagara region, having two more children Andre and Oliver. She
created a very loving, caring home for their 4 children.
She was a kind and decent human being and always thought of
others before herself.
Having lived through WWII as a young child, she was forever
afraid thereafter of air shows, and firework displays.
Having survived cancer surgery twice, gamma knife surgery
twice, to try to alleviate her trigeminal nerve pain albeit
unsuccessfully, leaving her with debilitating pain that made getting
through the day almost impossible from time to time. Even so, she
still had the energy and fortitude to babysit her four grandchildren
Alicia, Claire, Megan and Erika. She did so gladly because they
brought her so much joy and love. Her grandchildren had many
fun and happy times with their Oma. They will always love her
and miss her dearly.
When her healthcare providers learned she was taking care of her
small grandchildren with the pain and dizziness, they were
amazed and declared she was a super hero.
Through all this and more she persevered, whatever life threw at
her she overcame.
She had a love for children and thoroughly enjoyed helping with
the daycare at Fallingbrook Presbyterian Church.
She sewed, knitted and crocheted, made many a scarf and
mittens. She knitted beautiful dresses for her grandchildren. She
and our father Franz even made their own furniture in the early
days. As our family got larger she perfected her kitchen arts. She
was a great cook and put her love in every meal.
She donated what she could to charities, and instilled in us to do
the same.
We could talk to her about anything, and she always had great
advise.
Some of our most cherished memories of her is when she
displayed her humorous side.
We have video of her dancing and singing sillily "I'm a clown, I'm
a clown" while wearing a red sponge clown nose for her
grandchildren who she loved wholeheartedly.
She had a beautiful voice and would sing to us, and make sure
we sang carols all together at Christmas, making for many a fond
memory. She would even sing with us during her stay in the
nursing home.
She had a variety of hobbies, from volunteering to
a love of flowers and plants and her ever increasing gardens,
reading and solving puzzles, crosswords and sudokus. She loved
to travel with her parents in Europe and wished she could have
traveled more later in life.
She was interested in world news and current affairs and had a love of geography. She had a thirst for knowledge and always wished she had gone to university. Many
lively family debates ensued and although she was the most soft
spoken, she usually won the day.
Her sisters Ursula and Gisela were very close to her and they all
loved each other very much. They were like the three musketeers,
had much fun together but could get under each others skin from
time to time as most siblings do. Our mother appreciated their
company and support throughout the years.
Even though our parents separated our father Franz continued to
be a friend and helped our mom whenever he could. They cared
for each other deeply.
She jokingly would tell Ron or Paul, her son-in-laws, that each of
them was her favourite even when both were in the same room.
They both believed her. Witt will understand and Ron will get it.
She enjoyed their sense of humour and loved them equally.
She loved her daughter in-law Lan and especially her cooking.
They shared gardening tips and both liked to make handmade
thoughtful gifts for others. Lan who is frugal got mom’s approval.
She loved Lisa the mother of Claire and Erika. Lisa’s
lightheartedness made her laugh, she respected her fairness and
kindness.
Walter Green who is no longer with us, with his down home
sensibilities and Newfie charm, was loved by our mom as he
visited her often especially when her health declined to have a
spot of tea and tell her one of his funny tales to cheer her up.
She also loved all her nieces, nephew, grandnieces and
grandnephews.
We found a hand written note from our mother which must have
been written shortly before she went into the nursing home. In this
note she stated in her exact words, “Please have a very simple
sermon and ask Marion O’Brien how it is all done, and thank the
people of my church, they have been very good to me. I liked
especially Monday mornings with the little children and also
Tuesdays with all the great women who brought quilts and
pajamas and other nice things. I liked to be among this group of
amazing and friendly women.”
She goes on to say “I thank especially Ingrid who asked me to
come to her church.”
We know she loved all of you, as she expressed it in her request
to have this day, here, in the event of her passing.
We her children would like to thank Ingrid for introducing our mom
to the Fallingbrook church and its members, who took our mom
under their wings, and helped her to stay involved and connected.
We would like to thank Providence Houses of Ambrosia staff for
the care she received in the nursing home.
Mom we will, and do miss you dearly. A hole is in our hearts, a
void in our lives. We will think of you, not always with tears in our
eyes, rather with a smile for all that you have given us.
Lovingly, your family
