Obituary for Erika Berta Ella Bratfisch (Kraemer)
Erika Bratfisch, age 91, passed away peacefully at home on July 16, 2020. She was the loving wife for 61 years of Hans Bratfisch (predeceased), beloved mother of Rose Orfanakos (Tom) , Elvira, Karin Vanderkooy (Wayne ), Joanne Clarkson (James), proud Grandmother of Andrea, Christina, Megan, Natalie, Nicholas, Tanner and Connor and delighted Great Grandmother of Sophie, Grace and Alice.
Erika was born Bertha Ella Erika on June 21, 1929, in Gutkov, Lithuania to Thomas and Wilhelmina Kremer. She was the fourth of 6 siblings; August (predeceased), Lydia (predeceased), Johanna, Elvira (predeceased) and Helmut (predeceased)
She and her family immigrated to Canada in 1951 seeking a ‘better life’ after living through World War II. Her first position was as a nanny which Erika also saw as an opportunity for improving her English language skills. Always motivated to learn and improve herself, Erika took night school courses in book keeping and short hand. She moved on to become a proof reader for a Toronto publishing company and was quickly elevated to administrative assistant due to her excellent work ethic, attention to detail, willingness to try any task asked of her and easy going personality. After marrying the love of her life, Hans, she moved on to her most treasured role as dedicated wife, mother and homemaker.
Erika loved baking, gardening, crocheting, knitting, and sewing. Her creative flair also included ceramics and candle making. She loved music, singing, and dancing, reciting poetry and philosophical sayings. She was involved in her church community for many years. Her strong faith in God and the teachings of Jesus, carried her throughout her life and influenced how she lived; with kindness, compassion, patience, acceptance of people as they are, and most of all being of service to others.
Special thanks to Bradford Valley Community Care staff, Dr. Baguio and the Palliative Care Team at Southlake Hospital and all the amazing private care folks who lovingly supported Erika at home, ensuring her quality of life until her passing.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Society.
Online condolences at www.roadhouseandrose.com
Erika was born Bertha Ella Erika on June 21, 1929, in Gutkov, Lithuania to Thomas and Wilhelmina Kremer. She was the fourth of 6 siblings; August (predeceased), Lydia (predeceased), Johanna, Elvira (predeceased) and Helmut (predeceased)
She and her family immigrated to Canada in 1951 seeking a ‘better life’ after living through World War II. Her first position was as a nanny which Erika also saw as an opportunity for improving her English language skills. Always motivated to learn and improve herself, Erika took night school courses in book keeping and short hand. She moved on to become a proof reader for a Toronto publishing company and was quickly elevated to administrative assistant due to her excellent work ethic, attention to detail, willingness to try any task asked of her and easy going personality. After marrying the love of her life, Hans, she moved on to her most treasured role as dedicated wife, mother and homemaker.
Erika loved baking, gardening, crocheting, knitting, and sewing. Her creative flair also included ceramics and candle making. She loved music, singing, and dancing, reciting poetry and philosophical sayings. She was involved in her church community for many years. Her strong faith in God and the teachings of Jesus, carried her throughout her life and influenced how she lived; with kindness, compassion, patience, acceptance of people as they are, and most of all being of service to others.
Special thanks to Bradford Valley Community Care staff, Dr. Baguio and the Palliative Care Team at Southlake Hospital and all the amazing private care folks who lovingly supported Erika at home, ensuring her quality of life until her passing.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Society.
Online condolences at www.roadhouseandrose.com