Obituary of Dorothea "Thea" Filipiak

It is with deep sadness, we announce the passing of Dorothea (Thea) Filipiak, our loving and awe-inspiring Mother, Oma, and friend to all whose lives she touched. On Thursday, September 22, 2022, she left us gracefully and at peace while surrounded by her family in Kitchener, Ontario. She was in her 99^th year.

Born in Dorsten, Germany, on December 14, 1923, Thea immigrated after the second World War in 1951 to Montreal, Quebec with her husband Franz Filipiak. She found work in housekeeping and eventually she developed the skills to work in electronics. In 1957, Thea and Franz welcomed their daughter Doris into the family. In 1987, Thea and Franz moved to Kitchener to live with Doris and help raise their grand daughters.

Thea was the beloved mother of Doris (friend John K.), the proud Oma of Nikki (Steve) and Candice (Tom), the very special Oma Thea (great-grandmother) of Ethan and Everly and her fur-great-grandchildren Oakley and Juno. She was Tante (Aunt) to Gisela, Addy (Christel), John (Diana), Bob, Bill (Vicki), Jurgen (Rita), Renate, plus many other nieces and nephews. She was Oma (great Aunt) to Andrew, Christel (Chris), Bryan, Donny, Stefan and many other great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Franz (1999), parents Friedrich and Amalie, her 11 siblings, many nieces, and nephews and so many dear friends.

She lived a life full of unwavering faith in God, infectious laughter, fierce love for her family and a never-ending search for adventure. She could leave the energizer bunny behind in her dust. She will be dearly missed by all and has a place forever and always in our hearts.

A special thank you to the Doctors, Nurses, and health care providers at St. Mary’s Hospital for their great care and comfort.

Relatives and friends are invited to share their memories of Thea with her family during visitation at the New Apostolic Church, 160 Margaret Avenue, Kitchener on Saturday, October 1, 2022 from 4 – 5 p.m., with the funeral service to follow at 5 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family and donations may be made to the NAC Foreign Extension or The Humane Society Kitchener Waterloo South Perth by contacting the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, Waterloo at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.