Obituary of Laura Shantz
1933 - 2021
To view a recording of the service, please click here.
Laura Shantz died at Freeport Hospital in Kitchener on March 15, 2021. Wife of the late Milo Shantz. Loving mother of Jenny Shantz (Willem Moolenbeek), Christine Shantz, Sandra Shantz (Tania Benninger), Margaret Shantz (Greg Bezzo), Marcus (Lisa) Shantz. Grandma to Jacob, Kira and Laura Moolenbeek, Timothy, Nathan and Marty Shantz.
Laura is survived by her sisters Viola Wallace, Ellen Moyer and sister-in-law Shirley Martin. Also sadly missed by Ross and Erma Shantz and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents, Annanias and Susanna (Steckle) Martin, siblings Florence (Aaron) Wideman, Almeda Martin, Lloyd (Gladys) Martin, Abner Martin, Nelson Martin, Vernon Martin, brothers-in-law George Wallace and Carson Moyer and grandson Adam Shantz.
Laura spent her early years on the family farm in Waterloo in a life rich with stories and memories of the time. After boarding at and graduating from Rockway Mennonite, she attended the Stratford Normal School and then taught for two years at the Rummelhardt one room schoolhouse. In 1955, she married Milo and became a valued confidante and partner in many ventures throughout their life together.
In a school yearbook she expressed a desire to travel, found under the heading of "future ambitions". Through involvement in business and many church related organizations, that wish was fulfilled. The art of packing a small piece of luggage for multi week journeys was mastered. In recent years she willingly continued to accept any invitation; be it to cross the ocean, a road trip to the US, a visit to a cottage, dinner or concert. The answer was always -yes!
Laura was an active partner in the early years of the restaurant business in St Jacobs. Over the course of her life, she also opened her home to friends, family and strangers. Her guest books reveal the many people locally and from around the world who were the recipients of her generous and seemingly effortless hospitality.
After the death of her husband in 2009 Laura lived independently and, until very recently, enjoyed good health. The family thanks the staff at Clair Hills and Freeport Hospital for their kind attention.
A private funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 10 a.m. The live stream link will be provided under this obituary at www.erbgood.com
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Menno Singers, Da Capo Chamber Choir, the Grand Philharmonic Choir, Pax Christi Chorale, or another community choir of your choice. Memorial donations and condolences for the family may be arranged by contacting the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.
