Obituary of Louise Willms

Willms, Louise (Siemens) 1936-2019

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beautiful wife, mother and grandmother.  Born March 13, 1936, Louise went to be with her Lord on July 20, 2019, surrounded by her family.

Louise will be deeply missed by her loving husband, Victor, by her adoring children Elfie Hofmann (Don), Hardy (Renate), Linda Jauhal (Dave) and Waldy (Maria) and grandchildren Amy (Joel), Ryan and Jacob.  Predeceased by her parents Elfriede  (Folz) and Jacob Siemens  and brothers Kornelius, Jakob and Hans (deceased at age 7).

At the age of 7, during WW II, Louise and her mother fled the Ukraine after her father and brothers were forced to join the German army. The family were practicing Mennonites who believed in pacifism. Louise would never see her father or brother Kornelius again.  She was able to reunite with brother Jacob in East Germany when she was 40 years old.

After fleeing on foot and by train, Louise and her mother, along with many other Mennonite families, were provided ship's passage to Tiege Chaco, Paraguay by the Mennonite Central Committee in 1948. It was a very difficult life to work and farm the barren land in 45 degree heat.  It is here that Louise met Victor and they married in 1955 and recently celebrated 63 years of marriage. In 1959 they immigrated to Canada with their young daughter.  Louise was forever grateful to live in this country and be able to give her four children opportunities she couldn't have. Her unselfishness and courage became key traits that she would carry throughout her life.

Louise worked in the Food Services Department at the University of Waterloo for over 30 years and retired in 1997 at the age of 61.

Louise loved to read, travel, play word games and solitaire on the computer.  She was an amazing cook and baker and hosted her entire family for weekly Wednesday night dinners for 30 years.

Louise's commitment to her family, her church and her community was significant.  She was quick to flash her beautiful smile and was an easy person to talk to.  She had many life long friends that were a source of joy to her.  Louise is a 60 year member of the W-K United Mennonite Church.  Her faith and her church were important to her. She sang in the church choir and volunteered for Mission Circle on a weekly basis for many years.  She was a volunteer at Parkwood Seniors Community, visiting with residents for over 11 years before her failing sight restricted her driving. Her passion in life was her children and grandchildren and she loved family gatherings, vacations and events.

The Willms family is forever grateful to the staff at ICU 5th Floor, Grand River Hospital for the exceptional care and compassion provided to Louise and her family during her illness and for ensuring that Louise's journey home was comfortable and surrounded with love.

Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Sunday, July 28, 2019 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the W-K United Mennonite Church, 15 George St., Waterloo on Monday, July 29 at 11:00 am. A reception will follow in the church gymnasium. Interment at Parkview Cemetery after the reception.

Donations may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee through the funeral home www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.