Obituary of Edith Janke

Edith passed away on Thursday, February 24, 2011 at her home, surrounded by her loving family, after a short illness. She was born in Trout Creek, Ontario on May 12, 1927. She was the beloved wife of The Reverend Harry Janke. She will be greatly missed by her children, Ted of Waterloo, Elizabeth (Douglas) Bamberger of Sudbury, Cathy Spencer of Kingston and Peter of London. She leaves behind her grandchildren, Mike, Greg (Melissa) of Waterloo, and Krista Janke of Toronto, Christopher (Melissa), Karen and Mark Bamberger of Sudbury, Matthew, Emily and John Spencer of Kingston and one great-grandchild, Matthew Bamberger of Sudbury. She also leaves behind a sister-in-law, Marion (Ron) Wilmore and brothers-in-law Fred Janke and George A. (Sandy) Jones, daughter-in-law Sigrid Janke and dozens of nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Edward W. (Ted) Merner, Marjorie Merner (nee Cowden), sister Helen Jackie (Sandy) Jones and infant son Michael. Edith's devotion to her many passions, including her family, teaching, reading, tending to her magnificent gardens, preparing fine cuisine and entertaining was inspiring. She taught English and History at Clinton High School following graduation from Waterloo College and The Ontario College of Education. For the next 15 years, she raised four children. She then resumed her career at first teaching History and then English at Forest Heights Collegiate. Following her return to university to earn her Masters degree, she resumed teaching English at Eastwood Collegiate. She was also very fond of traveling around the world and she spent as much time on pre-trip research as on the excursion itself. Following her retirement in 1986, she spent most winters in Florida. Her summers were spent first at the cottage on Lake Huron and then at the Camp "Xanadu" on her beloved Lake Nipissing in the "Near North" close to where she was born. Visitation will be on Thursday, March 3, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the Church of the Holy Saviour, 33 Allen St. E., Waterloo. Immediately following, the Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will take place in the Church at 2:00 p.m. with The Ven. Peter Townshend officiating. A reception will be held in the Parish Hall following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Waterloo Historical Society, The Kitchener Public Library, or a church or another organization of your choice. The family wishes to thank the wonderful Palliative Care Nurses and Personal Support Workers.