February 1, 1931 – December 28, 2022
Elfriede Umbrasas peacefully ended her earthly journey held by children on December 28, 2022.
Left to grieve the loss of a mother loved beyond words are her children, John (Madelaine), Angelica[Gayle] Verdecchia (Walter), Helmut (Joanne), Chris Marcinkowski (Greg) and Tom (Darline).
Cherished by grandchildren Yvon Dery (Pat), Nancy Dery-Findlay (late John), Melissa Umbrasas (Joel), Marty Verdecchia (Nicole), Sherri Verdecchia (Jack), Shay Verdecchia (Jae), Amanda Fairchild (Michael), Chris Cottelit, Jessica Forbes, Jacob Marcinkowski (Cynthia), Stephanie Marcinkowski (Aaron), Krista McLaughlin (Troy) and Jason Umbrasas. Remembering her with love are her 21 great-grandchildren, Megan, late Autumn, Soleil, Madison, Jennifer, Julien, Amy, Mercedes, Ryleah, MacKenzie, Peighton, Brielle, Michael, Augustus, Ryan, Jack, Brianna, Aiden, Greyson, Joslyn and Parker and her 7 great-great grandchildren, Avery, Ace, McKenah, Ellyette, Amelia, Lucca and Julia. She will be missed by her cousins Arnold Streibel (late Mary) of Regina, SK and Martha Engel of Kelowna, B.C. (late Wilbert), and her sister-in-law, Zita Rickershenrich (Hans) of Toronto. Mother-in-law of Victor.
Waiting to meet her in her well-deserved place in Heaven will be her parents, Ottile and Albert Streibel, her younger brothers Erich Streibel (late Gertrude), Heinz Streibel (Inga), and sister Margarete Strohschein(late Heinrich). Survived by many nieces and nephews in Germany.
Mom overcame many hardships throughout her life surviving through World War II only to be imprisoned with her family for four years & losing her father. She spent time working as a housemaid and in children's homes before she managed to find her way to freedom in West Germany where she met her future husband, Laimutis, and immigrated to Canada in May 1953. There she married and raised her 5 children until 1968 when she reentered the workforce as a cook at the Windsor Hotel, Royal Hotel, Service Grill and finally Tendercare Nursing Home until her retirement in 1996.
First and foremost, Mom loved her family and cooking for them so much that she endured a yearly camping trip to spend time with all of us. Everyone could expect to get “care packages” of her delicious cabbage rolls, potato salad, crepes and rice krispie squares during that weekend or when they visited her. Frequent Sunday lunches at Mom's were always enjoyed.
She was a woman of faith and prayer attending John Wesley United Church for over 25 years and in later years accompanying her daughter to her church services.
Mom was an avid reader, and loved to walk for exercise. We knew not to call her until suppertime because she would either be out walking or gallivanting around town on the bus-she knew every bus route by heart! Mom or Omi, as many of her grandchildren called her, also had an extensive movie collection to share with her grandkids on the many occasions when she babysat or had sleepovers. Many of her grandchildren also enjoyed going for lunch at Omi's from their nearby schools. You could always expect to see her at her grandchildren's activities
Travelling was another joy for Mom. She was finally able to travel to Germany and reunite with most of her family in 1993, and making the trip several more times after that. She also visited cousins in Regina and Kelowna, travelled often to see her sons in Dubreuilville and Wawa and enjoyed many road trips with her daughters and grandkids.
In spite of her hardships, Mom remained a kind and thoughtful person. That sentiment has been shared many times by her former co-workers and people who knew her. We will miss her immensely but are comforted knowing that she is free from the chains of dementia and will be the angel watching over us.
We would like to thank the staff at Mapleview Long-Term Care (many of whom worked with Mom at TenderCare Nursing Home), especially those in Twin Lakes for your wonderful care and compassion over the last 7 years. Those who went above and beyond know who you are and have a special place in our hearts. Thank you for making us part of the “family”.
Family and friends are invited to visit at Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. East, 705-759-2522) on Tuesday, January 3, 2022 from 9:45am until 10:45am. Memorial service to follow at 11am. Rev. Mr. Len Monico officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations (payable by cheque or online) to Mapleview Resident's Council or to ARCH would be appreciated by the family.
Schlafe in himmlischem Frieden, unsere liebe Mutter.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Umbrasas family.