HERTA PIEHL

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HERTA PIEHL
1932 -2019

"Becoming a Mother makes you the Mother of all children." - Charlotte Gray. My mother influenced the lives of many children. My sister Rita and I were blessed to have a mother who gave of herself, not only to us but to others. It is with profound sadness I share the peaceful passing of my mother, Herta Piehl, on September 9, 2019 due to complications from Alzheimer's.
Mom is loved and missed by her daughter Doris (Jim), sister Elli (Heinz), brother Wilfred, grandchildren, Martina (Dean), Michael (Sarah), Stacie (Randy), Samantha, and great-grandchildren, Sebastian and Callie. Carol and Diana (Heftrich girls) will miss their second mom. Mom was predeceased by my dad, Karl-Heinz (2014), daughter Rita (2019) and her husband John, son-in-law James, her parents, Reinhard and Alvina, brothers, Edwin, Helmut and Dieter. Condolences have arrived from family and friends across Canada, United States, Australia and Germany.
While Mom's tasks on earth are done, her legacy is not. Her legacy is left in those who remember her. This gift to us started September 1951 slogging through the shoulder high, wet corn fields (no shoes) in East Germany (at night) to escape a totalitarian government so her family could live in freedom. At the time she was eight months pregnant. Mom, my dad, along with the rest of her family, arrived in Canada with no belongings. My parents forged a new life in Canada and felt blessed to be Canadians.
Mom was an excellent cook, baker, poet in German and English, jokester (mostly off-colour), first-rate dancer, storyteller, and she played a 'mean' harmonica. Whether it was at a family wedding, a West Jet flight, restaurants or at her personal care home residence, her harmonica playing entertained hundreds. During her younger years, her vibrant personality shone through as she 'dressed up' to entertain attendees at weddings and parties. Later in life, Mom dedicated herself to her own mother's Alzheimer's journey.
To celebrate my mother's life journey and to honour World Alzheimer's Day (wear blue), join us for fellowship, share stories and enjoy some light 'eats' and refreshments on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at Bardal Funeral Home, 843 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB.
Words cannot express my gratitude to River Park Gardens for the outstanding care given to my mother. Every staff member is an 'Angel'. They gave love, patience and understanding. Bless you and know that your work is valued. 'Himmel' is a bit livelier with Mom there and without a doubt she is playing Yellow Bird on her harmonica. Rest Mom, you deserve it.

Bardal Funeral Home
843 Sherbrook Street, 204-774-7474
Condolences: www.bardal.ca
Parking behind Funeral Home

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 14, 2019