Erika Mandau (nee Schafrick) passed away peacefully at Amica Swan Lake Retirement Home, in her 96th year, on January 21, 2021 with Marita and Grant by her side. She was greatly loved and will be dearly missed. Beloved wife of the late Wilhelm Mandau (2015), cherished mother of Marita Boyce (Stephen) and Grant Mandau (Donna), proud and loving Omi to Ryan (Anikka), Andrew (Andrea), and Stephanie (Vince), Alan and Ashley (Ben) and Uhrgross Omi to Helen, Greta and Maddison. Predeceased by sisters Olga Schafrick, Elli Rinas (Ede), and Emma von Keitz (Rolf). Fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Our mother Erika was born on a small working farm in Sladow, a small German community in Poland. She grew up in an agricultural community surrounded by close family. On January 20, 1945, at the age of 19, she along with her parents, aunts and cousins fled their home by horse and wagon. They endured a difficult 9-week journey, during one of the coldest winters, to arrive in Bohlsen, Germany. Erika lived and worked there until boarding the Beaver Brae, a converted freighter, to cross the Atlantic and settle in Toronto.

She met our father, her beloved Willie, in Germany prior to leaving for Canada. They were married in Toronto on June 1, 1952. Her early years in Canada were spent working very hard at Casa Loma, Muirheads Restaurant, and General Electric. In 1956, together with Elli and Ede Rinas, they bought their first home. Erika continued to work until Marita and Grant needed her attention. She became a fulltime mother, manager of tenants and support to our father.
Our mother provided a loving, stable home, surrounded by a close-knit extended family. A frequent outing with family would be a picnic at Edwards Garden, or a get together at one of our aunts for coffee and cake, they all lived close by.
The Martin Luther Church in Toronto and her faith in God was the spiritual and cultural support that played a very important part in her and our father’s lives. She sang in the church choir and was involved in the Fraurenverein for many, many years. She baked cakes and supported the summer camp at Golden Lake.

Our mother had a very close bond with her sisters Emmi and especially Elli. It was a bond of love, respect and support. They were true soul mates.

Erika continued her life as a supporter to her children Marita and Grant, and their families.

In 1984, mom and dad decided a family cottage would be a good place for family to get together and flourish. Many beautiful weekends and holidays were enjoyed together. The cottage was a perfect setting for the entire family, which she really loved.

Erika and Willie continued to support their children in their hectic career lives. They lovingly provided day care, transportation services always combined with a warm meal. Favourite meals were Erika’s Rouladen, cabbage roles, meatballs, her remarkable potatoe salad, Streusel Kuchen and Bienenstich.

Her husband of 62 years, Willie passed away in 2015. She continued to miss him the rest of her life.

Her wish was, always to remain in her home. She lived independently and remained very active holding a valid drivers license until the age of 90. At the age of 93, she was forced to leave her home. Due to poor circulation caused by severe long-term arthritis she lost both legs. Even with her declining health, and unfortunate circumstances she remained resilient and never wanted to be a burden.

In 2018 she moved into a retirement home. During her last two years she enjoyed many outings with family, attending church services and even visits to her beloved Edwards Gardens. Her favourite times were spent with Grant and Marita, and their families and especially her Great Granddaughters Helen and Greta.

On January 14, mom suffered a devastating stroke. Her wish was, not to be hospitalized.
Marita and Grant were able to be by her bedside day and night, sharing time with her so she wouldn't be alone. All the prayers and good wishes from her dear family and friends were shared with mom knowing that, she could hear the voices and feel the warmth of her children's hands.

Peacefully, Erika passed away on January 21, 2021. She is once again with her loving husband, sisters and so many others that have gone before her. May she rest in eternal peace and may our memories of our beautiful and courageous mother be a blessing.

Our family would like to express our gratitude to the many people who helped provide such wonderful care to Erika over these last few challenging years. There are far too many to thank, but a special thank you goes out to Dr. Leslie Goldenberg, Dr. Ahmed Kayssi, Dr. Kevin Koo, and Dr. David Santone. Special thanks to Dr. Yishai Wise and Dr. Jeff Weissberger for their compassionate advise and care during the last days of her life. To the entire Staff at Amica Swan Lake Retirement Home, our heartfelt thank you for your ongoing loving care.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, January 27, 2021, at 10 a.m. at York Funeral Centre. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the service will be private, with attendance by invite only. Interment to follow at York Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations may be made to the Martin Luther Evangelical Lutheran Church, Etobicoke Ontario, or to your local Food bank.