Obituary of Monica Fischer

It is with great sadness that the family of Monica Fischer (nee Austin) passed away on December 26, 2011 at home with her family by her side. Monica has given to others all of her life. Her legacy will carry on in the love of her twelve children, 28 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren. Monica leaves behind her children, Fred and his wife Shirley (John, Paul, Glen); Roger and his wife Chris (Gerry, Brad, Shawn, Nikki), Eileen Lobsinger and her husband Larry (Father Wayne, Kevin), Shirley Reinhardt and her husband Klaus (Michael, Brian); Donna Landry and her husband David (David, Fred, Shelley); Gary and his wife Gerry (Lori, Tanya); Susan Kovrig (Poirier) and her husband Bob (Kim, Jeff); Dennis (Kieth, Richard); Larry and his wife Janice (Steven, Joe); Daniel (Jazleen, Jordache), Bonnie Schroth and her husband Alf (Katie, Michael); Margie Besselink and her husband Rick (Justin, Tina). Monica is predeceased by her husband Fred, her son Paul in infancy, her mother Eileen Austin and her son-in-law Omer Poirier. Mom gave to others all of her life. She married Fred Fischer in 1939. They had thirteen children together in which Mom raised eight of them by herself when Fred passed away. She was so busy with her family that she did not take the time for herself to mourn the loss of her loving husband. Monica began to volunteer at the age of eleven. She began to dress used dolls for the Fire Department so that they could be given to children in need at Christmas. With young children of her own, she began to volunteer with the Scout Mothers and become the Chairperson. Volunteering for St. John Ambulance become a big part of Mom's life. She enjoyed the many volunteer hours because she wanted to continue to learn and it fulfilled her calling to being with and helping others. Mom was the founder of St. John Cadet Corp and she continued with the Corp for several years. She was proud to receive the Serving Sister Award. Mom worked at Lear Seating for many years as a nurse and got to know employees while treating them. She was always available to listen and help with solutions when necessary. After retirement Mom was busier than ever. She had such a passion for her volunteer work at the Rockway Centre. Here she volunteered at the tuck shop, hostess desk, Marmo Travel and the S.H.A.R.E. Program. The S.H.A.R.E. Program was very dear to Mom because of her personal experience of the loss of a child and her husband at such a young age. Her own loss allowed her to help others during their time of grief. Mom volunteered at the Rockway Centre for twenty two years. It was a second career for her. Many of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren had the honour of attending an afternoon tea at the Centre in the honour of recognizing her 22 years of volunteer work. Up until her recent diagnosis at the age of 89, Mom was still volunteering at Sunnyside Home in the tuck shop. Mom/Granny was so much more than a mother and grandmother. She was involved with kids, her grandkids and very much a part of the lives of her great-grandchildren. How lucky each and every one of us are for having such an amazing woman with a powerful influence in our lives. The family would like to thank Drs. Garbol, Fatima, Malone, Schwartz and Ward for their care. A special thank you to Judy (Paramed) for your compassion and care of mom. Judy, your warmth towards mom made her look forward to your visits and the family appreciates your care and thoughtfulness. We all recognize that Mom/Granny could not have stayed at home without the support and care provided by Susan, Margie and Eileen. Mom was able to spend her time at home. Christmas provided many wonderful memories for each of us. Friends are invited to share their memories of Monica with her family during visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, on Thursday, December 29 from 7-9 p.m. and Friday, December 30 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Parish Prayers will be held Friday evening at 8:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament RC Church, 305 Laurentian Drive, Kitchener on Saturday, December 31 at 11:00 am with Father Wayne Lobsinger as Celebrant. Reception will follow in the Parish Hall. Interment will take place at Bridgeport Memorial Cemetery at a later date. Condolences for the family and donations to Blessed Sacrament RC Church Bell Tower Fund or Clarky's Kids may be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519.745.8445.