Obituary of Elsie Bauer

<h1>Elsie Bauer</h1> August 22, 1908 – February 22, 2008 Elsie was born in Schmiedeberg then part of Germany. At age four she emigrated with her parents Albert and Ada Exner, her two sisters Martha (Brezina) and Hedwig (Lapp), and brother Richard, to Berlin Ontario. She was raised in an atmosphere of love and good cheer that was spiritedly celebrated at regular gatherings of friends and family. She was proud of finishing grade nine at the top of her class and then completing a typing and shorthand course at a business college. Elsie went on after school to work as a secretary at Western Shoe (forerunner of Bauer skate) and later married her boss Gordon Bauer in 1934 after a ten year courtship. They remained happily married until Gordon’s death in 1971. She spent a very enjoyable part of her life at her cottage in Kincardine. There she taught her grandchildren to play cards, kvetch and appreciate swimming in a lake that was sometimes “brisk” or “refreshing” but never cold. She was in the water in her 99th year, kicking and screaming, but happy and pleased. Elsie was the last of her generation – predeceased by parents and siblings, her husband and his brothers and sisters, and daughter Shirley (Bews). She is remembered fondly and thankfully for her continued good cheer, her unconditional love, her kindness and optimism and her love of a good party. She is mourned by her son Bruce; the grandchildren who always made her eyes sparkle (Gavin in Japan, Steve in Toronto and Rick in Edmonton); the “borrowed” son Marc; family; friends; the compassionate staff at Pinehaven Nursing Home; and her cottage community. Her place is now in our hearts and with those who went before her. Say goodbye and thanks for the memories at the Erb &amp; Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo, on Tuesday February 26, 2008, from 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 27 at 2 p.m. in the chapel of the funeral home followed by a reception. Private interment at Memory Gardens, Breslau. Donations to the Mennonite Central Committee welcome in place of flowers and can be arranged through the funeral home, 519.745.8445 or www.erbgood.com In living memory of Elsie, a donation will be made to the Trees for Learning Program by the funeral home.