Obituary of Ilse Hertwig

It is with great sadness that we share our goodbye for now for our dear Mother Ilse Hertwig. Mom passed on February 6, 2024. She slipped away peacefully surrounded by all her children.

We honor and celebrate the life she lived and remember her with love.

Mom was born in Czechoslovakia in 1935 and later immigrated with her husband Kurt to Canada in 1956 from Germany taking great risks for a life of freedom and opportunity to raise their family in Canada.

In the early years she was a hard-working stay at home Mom to her five children while Dad was often remote, securing work where he could find it for their growing family.

Later they settled in London Ontario making it their home for the last 54 years. Mom went to work at Northern Telecom retiring after 20 years.

Her retirement was spent crocheting afghans for family and dear friends. Her red apple cookie jar was always filled with homemade cookies for her grandkids. She took great pleasure in walking Springbank Park, going line-dancing, bowling and doing Tai Chi. Volunteering at Country Terrace Nursing home in Komoka always brought her great joy. Her favorite past times included afternoon get togethers with her friends at Tim Hortons for coffee and a sour cream glazed donut.

Mom enjoyed her clothes and never left the house unless she was well dressed, her hair perfectly coiffed and her lips on. She enjoyed her cigarettes, an occasional glass of wine and playing a fierce game or two of Rummikub. Known for her great sense of humor with a mischievous twinkle in her eye and a quick wit, she could tell a good joke and was not afraid to tell risqué ones on occasions.

Ilse was the beloved wife of 53 years of her late husband Kurt who predeceased in (2003). She is dearly loved and will be missed by her 5 children: Eleonore (Detlef) von Ruczicki, Gabriele Hertwig Collier, Dr. Brian Hertwig (Catharina Nguyen), Terry Hertwig (Lynn Larondeau) and Karen (Fred) Blaak. Also 15 grand children and many great and even her great- great- grandchildren; her sister Herta (Hugo) Sachse and family in Germany.

Our family would like to thank the caring, compassionate staff on the Lambeth floor at Glendale Crossing where she has spent the last 6 years.

A special thank you to Ainslie at Victoria Hospital 5D for your kind support for our family during this difficult time.

A celebration of life for Ilse will take place at the Lambeth Royal Canadian Legion Branch 501 - 7097 Kilbourne Rd, in London Ontario on Thursday March the 21st 2024 from 2 to 6 pm. Bring your memories and share your stories.