Obituary of Lucille Mary Barbara Albrecht

(nee Jantzi)

It is with much love that we announce the peaceful passing of Lucille Mary Barbara Albrecht (nee Jantzi), at the age of 95, at the Columbia Forest Long Term Care Home in Waterloo, on Sunday, July 3, 2022. 

Lucille will be lovingly remembered by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, including daughter, Bonnie Gingrich and her children and grandchildren, Tara and Jed (Jack and Isla), Jason and Monika; her son, Jay Albrecht and his sons,  Daniel and Jadyn; her daughter, Darlene and Dwight Gingrich and their children, Jennifer and Yannick, Cindy and Cameron; her son, Roger Albrecht and his daughter, Zoe; her daughter, Marilew Albrecht and Steve Martin and their children and grandchildren, Cayla and Chris (Josie and Leisel), Dustin and Adrielle (Ren and Aro), and Tyler; and her son, Matthew Albrecht and Meagan Earle.  Dear sister-in-law of Doris Jantzi and Eileen Woolner. Fondly remembered by Sylke Spiller.

She is predeceased by her beloved husband of 68 years, Harry Albrecht (2017), precious son, George Timothy Albrecht (1980), and special son-in-law, James Gingrich (2004).   Predeceased by her sisters, brothers, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law, Irene and Rudy Jutzi, Ralph and Violet Jantzi, Iona and Walton Bowman, Orval Jantzi, Selina and Enos Boshart, Clara and Alvin Schlegel, Verna and Carl Siemon, Lorne and Emma Albrecht, Emmanuel and Laurene Albrecht, Lena and Robert Shantz, George and Edith Albrecht, Ervin and Marjorie Albrecht, Gordon Woolner, and Armand and Elenore Albrecht.

Lucille was born on November 12, 1926 in Biggar, Saskatchewan, weeks after the passing of her father, Michael Oesch Jantzi. After moving to New Hamburg, Ontario in February, 1927 with her siblings and mother, Mary Steinman, who raised them on her own, Lucile experienced life’s struggles at a young age. She was shuffled to neighbours and relatives, often separated from her mother depending on where Mary found work. Living through the depression made a profound impact on her life, both in her own family and witnessing the struggles of friends and neighbours around them.

Seeing hardship throughout childhood, she was all the more generous and gracious as an adult and thankful for what she had. With the support of her strong faith in Christ and her large family and larger still Mennonite community, she created a loving and lively (sometimes boisterous) home for us, something she missed in her own childhood.  We remember her endless days of standing at the sink, peeling vegetables and washing dishes; canning and cooking whatever Harry’s garden gave (small potatoes and grapes); huge family gatherings at Christmas; and the patience she had cleaning up the messes we created.  Sometimes the meals weren’t gourmet, but her pies - whether they were made of strawberries, apples, rhubarb, or grapes - were always appreciated and inhaled. All on a flaky crust.

We are so grateful for her continual dependable presence when we were children arriving home from school, young adults leaving home and coming back to find a bed still there for us, and as married adults coming to visit with children - sometimes leaving them there expecting our ageing parents to keep up with the energy of toddlers.

We all know Lucille as someone who gave endlessly and shared whatever she had. Her house was already full with her own children, but she always made space and time for special occasions with nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters, and even neighbourhood children were welcome. She had a talent for creativity and drama and entertained with her wry sense of humour and storytelling, often ready with a humourous quip.

We love you, Mom. You will be missed.

A memorial reception will be held in the Fireside Reception Room at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street S., Waterloo on Thursday, July 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  A private family graveside service will follow at First Mennonite Church Cemetery, Kitchener.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the First Mennonite Church or the Mennonite Central Committee by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.

Lucille’s family extends a special thank you to the staff of Columbia Forest Long Term Care for their loving care.