Obituary of Ottilie Steiner (nee Berndorfer)
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Ottilie Steiner announce her peaceful passing on the afternoon of Friday, September 13, 2024, at the age of 94.
She was predeceased in 2002 by her beloved husband of 52 years, Adam Steiner. She was also predeceased by her parents, Josef and Franziska; her sisters, Hildegard Stummer and Franziska Schachner; and her brother, Josef.
Ottilie will be lovingly remembered by her children Joseph (Margaret) and Hildy, extended family (Lori), her grandchildren Rebecca (Gary Hesselink), Leslie (Michael Kokavec), Adam, Theodore (Patricia Somers), Amanda (Jesse Cutting), and her great-grandchildren, Olivia and Kylie Kokavec, Hazel and Harvey Hesselink and Gabriel Steiner, and her step-great-grandchildren, Garfield and Giovanna Somers-Nelson.
Ottilie was born in the beautiful village of Natternbach, Austria, on November 24, 1929. She was raised and spent her youth in this close-knit farming community among many family and friends.
In her teen years she worked in a women’s clinic in Waldkirchen and had ambitions of becoming a nurse. However, after the war, she met the love of her life, and they would marry in Linz on December 31, 1949. Not long after, they would board the Italian liner, the M/N Saturnia from Genova, and immigrate to Canada. They landed in Halifax on April 7, 1952, moved to Toronto for a brief time and finally, moved to Kitchener-Waterloo, making it their forever home.
Ottilie was a devoted wife and mother, who was fiercely loyal to and protective of her family. She dearly and steadfastly loved and supported her husband and children in all of their endeavours, and then her cherished grandchildren to follow. She was quite a private person who placed great value on honour, respect, and character and while having a more serious nature, she had a humorous side that was so refreshing. She loved music and dancing and reading and in her widowed years, spent many hours in the library on Friday afternoons. She adored the beauty in nature, loved being outside in the fresh air and while she missed her homeland of Austria, she couldn't have been more happy or proud to be a Canadian citizen. Her strength and her determination throughout all of life’s ups and downs were praiseworthy.
We find comfort in the many years we have had the privilege of sharing with her, and the love and many memories and relationships grown between her and kith who became like kin. We will treasure and carry these with us, as we navigate the future without her. She will remain in our hearts forever.
In accordance with her wishes, there will be a private family graveside service and interment at Woodland Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home.
Condolences for the family and donations to Epilepsy Canada, CNIB, or Diabetes Canada may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, at 519-745-8445 or www.erbgood.com.