Obituary of Alice Ermel

It is with profound sadness that the family of Alice Ermel announce the passing of our much loved Mother, Sister, Mother-in-law, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother in her 85th year at Freeport Health Centre of Grand River Hospital on Tuesday, December 7, 2010. After a courageous eighteen month battle with cancer, Mom passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family to be welcomed into the arms of her beloved husband Earl Ermel (predeceased July 23, 1997). Mom was born on February 25, 1926 in Desboro, Ontario, to William Schwartz and Minnie (Gobert). Survived by her brother Harold Schwartz of Desboro. Predeceased by one brother Wesley Schwartz (Emma) and sisters Velma Krueger (Warland) and Gladys Schwartz. We are ever grateful for the six month respite she enjoyed from this awful disease over the summer. Mom will be so lovingly remembered and always cherished by her children Shirley Werner (Charlie), Ellen Dumais, Richard Ermel (Judy) and Laverne Ermel (Cyndy). Much loved and treasured Grandma and Great-Grandma of Heather Best (Shawn, Ashley and Ryan), Andrea and Chuck Maier (Rachel and Blake), Duane Ermel (Jamie and Jessie). Shawn and Amy Ermel (Paige, Hayden and Emma), Bradleah and Elaine Ermel (Dylan and Logan), Jillian Ermel and Travis Ermel. Also survived by her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law who have always been there for her with love and comforting phone calls and visits, Jean Ermel, Gerald and Maria Ermel, William and Doris Ermel, Elizabeth and Allen Schwartz, Marilyn and Ralph Luft, Joy and Don Carpenter and Howard Gibbons. Predeceased by son-in-law Denis Dumais and daughter-in-law Beverley Ermel and sister-in-law Audrey Gibbons. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. A huge thank you to her very special niece, Donelda Free, from Victoria, B.C. for staying with Mom for three memorable weeks during October and November. Thank you also, to her nephews Claude Krueger (Ruth), Gerald Kreuger and Cecil Schwartz for the phone calls and visits. As well to her dear friends who were there with regular phone calls and visits; Pearl Bested, her cherished childhood friend, Beppe and Ed Calligan, Stan Haigh, Doris Perrin, Joan Hepburn. Thanks also to the doctors of Grand River Cancer Centre Oncology and the staff of CCAC, especially Paula and Leah for giving Mom exceptional care and the family strength and support during this past year. Special thanks to the Angels in Freeport Palliative Care for the love and gentle caring of our dear mother to make the transition pain-free and comfortable. Mom, we will always cherish the memory of your beautiful smile, the sound of your laughter, the joy in your voice, hands that were always busy. We will especially treasure all the beautiful doilies you crocheted over the years for family. We so enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune with you and all the favourite TV shows we shared a common interest in, especially watching Dancing With the Stars which you absolutely loved, and Survivor. You always kept us updated on all the celebrity news. There will be so many fond memories of the hours and hours we would play our favourite games with you, Rumikub, Chrominoes, Skipbo, Upwords, Cribbage, Solo and so many more. Most of all, we are ever grateful for all the hearts you've touched by just being you - so loving, kind, never demanding nor judgmental, always there for us, a beautiful heart. Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service to celebrate Alice's life will be held in the funeral home chapel on Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 11 a.m. Interment in Memory Gardens, Breslau will be followed by a reception in the Fireside Reception Room of the funeral home. Condolences for the family and donations to the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre may be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445. Our joys are greater, Our love is deeper, Our lives are fuller, Because we shared your moment. We love you so much Mom, Grandma and Great-Grandma.