LIESELOTTE SIEGEL

LIESELOTTE (LOTTE) SIEGEL (nee Forderer) 1935 ~ 2025
My mother Lotte (Lieselotte), passed peacefully on October 12, with me by her side, reuniting with my sister Patricia (1968), father Carl Heinz (1998), her brother Franz, and sisters Magdalena and Anneliese.

In 1953, at 18 years old, Mom made the journey from her hometown of Wiesloch Germany, to Thunder Bay (then Fort William) to visit her favourite sister Anneliese, and support her and husband Werner in establishing a new life in Canada. Fate prevailed, she met her future husband, my father Carl, and they started a life together. Life was hard, as they struggled to learn English, earn a living, and save for a home, but there was always laughter and lots of love. Mom's big heart compelled her to give and do for others, never expecting anything in return.

Mom loved her friends, was the consummate hostess, always cooking more food than could possibly be eaten, resulting in a week of leftovers. Preparing for the Coffee Klatsch Girls meant pulling out all the stops, and oh those ladies could talk! Her green thumb was reflected in her well tended Gardens, and she wore out a few vacuums getting the lines in the carpet just right! Even in Long Term Care Mom requested a Swiffer to touch up her rooom between cleanings! She enjoyed all manner of handicrafts, knitting, sewing, crocheting and has left us many a needlepoint picture, and crocheted pair of slippers with which to remember her fondly. Mom loved music, and looked forward to the German Club dances with their social circle. I'm certain when she crossed over, Dad was waiting to greet her, and once again lead her around the dance floor to his favourite song, "Blue Spanish Eyes".

Mom lived the majority of her life in Thunder Bay, and would have continued to do so, but then at 84, after the passing of her partner Nikolaus Nesplak (2020), in March of 2020 at the height of Covid, we made the drive from Thunder Bay to Burlington. Mom was a great passenger, marvelling at the rugged Northern Ontario scenery, and tolerating the sketchy Rest Stop facilities along the way. Later, after moving to Peterborough she experienced Cottage Life, watching the visiting wildlife from the window for hours, feeding the Chipmunks and enjoying boat rides around Big Cedar Lake. It was a gift to have shared the last five years together.

Firstly, a thank to the kind staff at Sherbrook Heights Senior Living, and Jane Marie from Comfort Keepers, who provided community, safety and companionship. And a special thank you to the caring Staff and Volunteers at Fairhaven Long Term Care Home. Words cannot express our appreciation for the Care Team on Westview 5, who became like family, tending to Mom's needs over the past twenty months, providing comfort and care far beyond their job responsibilities, and easing her passing during the last days of her life.

Though her passing leaves a great void, we find comfort her spirit remains in the many cherished memories. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her son Ralph, Brian Baker, Veronica & Nick Nesplak (Chelsey, Brandi, Nikki), Agnes Meader, niece Doris Reichstein (Germany), and loyal friend Linda Skaf.

As per Mom's wishes, there will not be a Funeral or Graveside Service. In lieu of flowers, contributions to either the Fairhaven Foundation, The Salvation Army, or the Alzheimer's Society of Canada would be appreciated.