Ellen Rosemarie STURM

ELLEN STURM It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Ellen Rosmarie Sturm (nee Goegginger) on March 16, 2023. Born June 24, 1939 in Neuwurschnitz, Saxony, she leaves behind her husband of 65 years, Sigismund (Sigi) Sturm; her children, Connie (Patrick) Michels, Fred (Tina) Sturm, Harold (Brenda) Sturm; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Bert Wolfe; her sister, Eva McLellan (Goegginger); and was predeceased by her younger sister, Hella. The former business empire, estate, and renown of her Goegginger family ancestors in Riga, Latvia loomed large in her sense of self. Having lost their holdings to communist Russian occupation, the Goegginger family migrated back to Germany, settling in Heidelberg. At the age of 12 her family immigrated to Toronto. The German language, culture and traditions continued to play an integral role in her life. Ellen met Sigismund in the youth group of St. Georges Lutheran Church that was founded by her late father Dr. Rev. Wolf Goegginger. They married when she was 18. Ellen was determined and tenacious in various endeavors. She was both fan and sponsor of interesting, fun, and theatrical experiences. She received her Masters in Linguistics with Honours from the University of Toronto as a mature student. She applied her fluency in German, English, French and Spanish as a German School Teacher, Immigration Interpreter, and International Tour Guide. Ellen treasured her many friendships that endured throughout the decades from school, the church youth group, German School, her French language group, Baltic German diaspora and the Lutheran Church. She enjoyed hosting special events for family and friends at her home, at various interesting venues, and at their Bracebridge cottage where Ellen and Sigismund spent countless times sharing their love of nature. Ellen always took lots of photographs that she would share with family and friends. As per her wishes, Ellen will be cremated and interred in the Goegginger family plot in St. James Cemetery. A service will be held at a later date. We are thankful for the excellent care she received at Glen Hill Terrace Nursing Home in Whitby prior to her passing there. Ellen will be greatly missed by family and friends alike.