Obituary of Wilma Reitzel

WILMA ELIZABETH REITZEL (1933-2012) Wilma Reitzel (nee Waechter), of Waterloo, died peacefully on Monday, May 28, 2012 with family at her side. Born July 21, 1933 in Brant Township, daughter of the late Andrew and Susan (nee Hehn) Waechter. Predeceased by her loving husband Albert Reitzel (1999), granddaughter Alanna Tallon, son-in-law David Laudenbach and brothers Alfred and Joseph Waechter. Wilma leaves a legacy of eight adoring children, 22 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild: Suzanne (Bill McMichael; Steven & Katie, Greer, Carling) of Long Beach, California, Katherine (John Tallon; Brendan, Corinne, Brianna) of Vancouver, Donna (Tom Kelly; Alex, Harrison, Rachel, Nicole) of London, Lori Laudenbach (Adam, Teresa) of London, Rosemary (Brian Voisin; Aaron, Tina & Jack, Kristin & Ryan, Monica, Sara) of Waterloo, Patrice (David Banton) of Toronto, Christopher (Terrina - nee Scott; Curtis, Lauren, Eric) of Kitchener and Julie (Ben Cairns; Avery, Carson, Elizabeth) of Waterloo. Also survived by her sister Marjorie (Willard) Lang of Chepstow, and brothers Lorne (Mary Lou) Waechter of Hanover, Ralph (Diane) Waechter of London and sister-in-law Karen of Hanover. Wilma left home for the "big" city of Kitchener-Waterloo to study nursing at St. Mary's Hospital. Valedictorian of her class, she met an amazing group of women who have managed to keep in touch throughout the decades. Her natural abilities flourished both at patient bedside and assisting in the Operating Room, but she was soon to be swept off her feet by Albert Reitzel. To see them on the dance floor was to recognize that they were meant to share all of life together. They faced the many joys and challenges ahead with equal grace and love. The importance of faith and family, work and play, and to live those values within the broader community is one of the many gifts they have given their children. Wilma's life was greatly enriched by the loving embrace of the very large Reitzel clan, wonderful friends as well as work mates. Wilma's diminutive frame and soft speaking voice belied her amazing strength, both in character and physical ability. Raising her eight children spanning 19 years in age kept her more than busy. Somehow though, she found time for myriad creative tasks: mending holes in leotards to sewing wedding dresses, pulling weeds to landscape design, gluing broken mugs to mastering woodworking. Wilma took pleasure in the simple things in life, enjoying cottage sunsets, feeding the birds, and getting lost in a good book. Wilma was devoted to her husband throughout their life together and beyond. They worked along side each other, building a life, a family and a business, Reitzel Heating and Air Conditioning. She cared for her husband through several bouts of cancer. The quick decline of her physical and mental abilities due to diabetes and vascular dementia within a few years of Albert's death necessitated a move to long-term care. During the five years that she spent at Pinehaven Nursing Home, the caregivers and residents became another family for Wilma. Many thanks to those of you who recognized Wilma's inner beauty and helped to preserve her sense of dignity. Wilma also was given exceptional care and respect by Cathy from Home Instead. Thank you. Visitation will be held at Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. South Waterloo, on Thursday, May 31 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 173 Lourdes Street West, Waterloo on Friday, June 1, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. with reception to follow in the parish hall. Memorial donations to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada or a charity of your choice would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.