Erna Hamm

1924 - 2020

Born January 8, 1924 as Erna Matthies passed into glory in her sleep in the morning of December 20, 2020 at the Leamington Mennonite Home. Beloved wife of the late Cornelius (1994); dear mother of David (Betty), Constance (Stuart Medinets - deceased)(Murray Schweider), Philip (Lydia), Nathan (Jeannette), Karen (Martin Hollis), Barbara (Edward Penner); loving grandma of 23 grandchildren and many more great-grandchildren. She was a dear sister to Evangeline, John, Marie and Helen - all predeceased. She grew up in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and met the love of her life at Winkler Bible School. After a two-year courtship, they were married in Virgil Ontario on February 3, 1945 and left for home in Leamington in a blizzard. They settled on a small farm and for 60 years the family worked together growing "garden crops. Cornie drove up to Windsor to work in construction, first as a supervisor at Morris Construction and then as part owner of Hilton Construction. In 1966 they created Erie Shores Construction with mom as the owner and president. We learned a good work ethic helping dad, and working on the farm with mom. Mom faithfully served in the church and in the community, leading Bible Studies, teaching Sunday School, and Girls Clubs, and encouraging young women through their struggles. She was loved by many people, she impacted many more, remembered people's birthdays, brought food and helped those in need. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, friendships, love and hospitality. Visiting at Reid Funeral Home, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631) on Monday, December 28th from 2 - 5 and 7 - 9 p.m. A Private Family Service will be held on Tuesday, December 29, 2020. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, visitation is limited to a specific number of visitors. Only those with an appointment will be allowed in. Please book an appointment at www.reidfuneralhome.ca All visitors must remain in their cars in our parking lot until their designated time and one of our staff members comes to invite you into our facility. Everyone must wear a mask. Interment is at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial Donations may be made by cheque to Multiply (M.B. Mission), where dad and mom built a home for missionaries in Japan and Leamington Mennonite Home where she was a resident for 15 years. Friends may share memories and make donations at www.reidfuneralhome.ca. A live streaming link will be available from the funeral home website the day of the funeral.