Obituary of Shirley Jean Reinhardt (nee Fischer)

August 20, 1945- January 16, 2024

It is with great sadness that the family of Shirley Reinhardt (nee Fischer) announces her passing. She passed away peacefully on Tuesday January 16, 2024 at Grand River Hospital with family by her side at age 78.  

Her legacy will carry on with her husband, children, grandchildren and her brothers and sisters. Shirley leaves behind the love of her life Klaus Reinhardt who adored her so. Her children Michael (Jen), Brian (Jennifer Schutz), grandchildren Brock, Zachary, and Sophia, she will be missed by Sophia’s mother Marnie. Siblings Fred Fischer (Shirley), Roger Fischer (Dar), Eileen Lobsinger (Larry), Gary Fischer (Gerry), Susan Kovig (Bob), Dennis Fischer, Larry Fischer (Janice), Daniel Fischer, Bonnie Schroth (Alf) and Margie Besselink (Rick). She will be remembered by her many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by her parents Fred and Monica (nee Austin) Fischer, brother Paul in infancy, sister Donna Landry (David) and brother-in-law Omer Poirier.

She married Klaus in 1965 after a 5-month romance that continues after 58 years.  Their love grew stronger every day and they cherished every day together.  Shirley spoke so fondly of Klaus in her final days.  Her love for him was so pure.

Shirley was a kind and generous soul willing to help anyone who needed it and always put others before herself.  Her family will always remember her for words of encouragement.  She always found good in people and saw the world as a beautiful place.  Her sisters remember her as a kind, gentle, joyful, and caring person.  She liked a good laugh and loved to joke around.

Shirley started her first job in 1961 at Electrohome in Kitchener making $.90/hr. She worked tirelessly to provide an amazing life for her children.  She retired at 65 and shortly afterwards started to help watch her granddaughter Sophia, the twinkle of her eye, for many years.  She would be down on her knees building forts and playing with Sophia for hours.  In recent years, they spent their time playing games and cards together.  She enjoyed watching her grandchildren Brock and Zach play sports.  She loved going to arenas to watch them play hockey.

Shirley was always involved when she got together with her brothers and sisters, shocking the boys with her smooth baseball swing, and hitting bombs into the field over their heads. She always had a ball of yarn close by and would often be seen making blankets and items for others, including many donations. She enjoyed playing cards and bingo with the people at their building and was excited to talk about her winnings or how close she was to winning.

Shirley battled breast cancer in 2020 becoming cancer free for a couple years. In 2023, she held steadfast when diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. With her mind sharp and her body failing, she showed her strength and decided to go through the MAID process with the full support of her loved ones.

Shirley was a very positive and social person until the very end.  Everyone knew where her room was in the hospital because of the laughter that spilled out to the hallways.  Her final moments included having a shot of Bailey’s with her family just moments before her passing.  She wanted her last moments to be happy and jovial.  She succeeded with her last wish - she truly is a legend.

The family would like to thank Dr. Lumsden and the entire oncology team at the Grand River Cancer Center along with all the nurses who took care of Shirley during her last few weeks in hospital and who helped her with dignity, comfort, and knowledge. A special thank you to Shirley’s sister Bonnie who helped her and Klaus endlessly.  We could not have done this without you.

Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Saturday January 20, 2024 from 1- 4 p.m.  The funeral service will take place in the chapel of the funeral home on Sunday January 21, 2024 at 11:30 a.m., with Bishop Wayne Lobsinger officiating. A reception will follow in the Fireside Reception Room of the funeral home.  Cremation will have taken place and a private family interment will be held at Memory Gardens, Breslau. 

Condolences for the family and donations to Grand River Hospital Cancer Center may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street S. Waterloo at www.erbgood.com.