Obituary of Wilda Marie Gerth

Passed away peacefully at The Village at University Gates, Waterloo on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at the age of 97. Loving wife of the late Douglas David Gerth (January, 2021) for almost 74 years.

Dear mother of Susan (Ron) Schwark and Carolyn Seegmiller (Philip Cressman). Cherished grandmother of Wade (Lisa) Schwark and their children Kurt and Troy, Mark (Sara) Schwark and their children Leila and Heidi, Matthew Seegmiller and Stephanie (Jochem) Kamstra and their children Madelyn, Arjen and Lewyn. Will be fondly remembered by her sister Betty Sowa (the late Edward).

Predeceased by her parents Garfield and Salome (nee Liesemer) Johnson, and her infant sister Helen.

Mom was born on March 25, 1926 in Listowel and spent her early life on the family farm north of town.  After moving to the Kitchener-Waterloo area to enter the working world and marrying Douglas Gerth, she devoted her life to being the best homemaker and mother to Susan and Carol that she could be.  Providing good meals at the proper times, and always with dessert, were a huge priority for her whole life—she was especially known for her butter tarts.  She was an accomplished seamstress and had an artistic flair in watercolour painting which evolved later in her life.  She provided the foundation of home life to enable her family to pursue their educations and careers.  Mom and Dad enjoyed their cottage years in Southampton, winters in Florida, and numerous travel experiences in their later years.  After Dad’s passing, Mom moved to The Village at University Gates where she received excellent care from the staff as her health slowly declined.  Mom was extremely blessed with wonderful care from all the staff on the Emma’s floor who were always cheerful, kind and caring in her last months.

Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Monday, January 22, 2024 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  The funeral service will take place in the chapel of the funeral home on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 1 p.m., with Rev. Sebastian Meadows-Helmer officiating. A reception will immediately follow the service in the Fireside Reception Room of the funeral home.  Private family interment will be held at Parkview Cemetery, Waterloo

In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family and donations to The Food Bank of Waterloo Region may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or www.erbgood.com