Obituary of Barbara Abt

Passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2014 at the age of 94. Born on February 7, 1920 in Kolut, Yugoslavia, Barbara was predeceased by her husband Josef, her son Joseph and her daughter Hilde. The daughter of the late Anton and Maria Kaufman, she is survived by her daughters-in-law Linda Abt and Sharon Kit, son-in-law John English, and grandchildren Jacquie House, Curtis Abt, Jonathan English, and Mike Merrill. Sandy, a grandchild, predeceased her. She is also survived by great-grandchildren Katelyn Abt, Meghan Abt, Aaron Abt, Alex Abt, and Jessica House, and two great-great grandchildren Emily and Hayden. Many nephews and nieces will also remember her fondly as well as dear friends Angela Granic, Nat Heltke, cousin Simon Faller and niece Mary Altenburger. Until recent illnesses, Barbara was an active, lively, and warm person, "Omi" to all who knew her. A superb dressmaker by training, she was also a talented gardener and an excellent cook. She immigrated to Canada from Germany in 1953. She will be remembered for her infectious laugh, one that she shared with others even when Joe or Hilde made fun of her forgetfulness or her tendency to spill wine. She faced many hardships, but she never let them stifle her joy for life. The family would like to thank Pat Barkley, the many careworkers from CCAC and, more recently, those at Winston Park and PeopleCare A.R. Goudie. Memorial visitation will be at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King. St. S., Waterloo, on Monday July 7 from 7 -9pm. The memorial service will be held on Tuesday July 8 at 2 pm in the Chapel of the funeral home. Following the service, friends and relatives are invited to the Fireside Reception Room of the funeral home for refreshments and a time to visit with the family. Burial of cremated remains will then take place in Woodland Cemetery, Kitchener. Donations may be given to the Hilde English Fund at the Kitchener-Waterloo Community Foundation or to a charity of your choice and may be arranged by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519.745.8445.