Walther, Gerda Erna (née Fuhrman) (Died)

WALTHER, Gerda Erna (Furhman) - After a long and sorrowful wait, Gerda Erna (Furhman) Walther of Port Franks and formerly of Woodstock, ON, aged 92 years, had returned to the loving arms of her late dear husband Rudolph "Rudy" Walther (1978) and her late beloved son Michael Andreas Walther (1986). Loved mother to Angelika "Angey" Sylvia Lewis of Port Franks, ON and mother-in-law to Cheryl Walther (Mark Chatterson) of Woodstock, ON. Loving Omi to Angela "Angel" Marie Thompson (Randy), and Anissa Marie Varley (Rob) of London, ON, Gayla Cherie Walther (Dave Berg) of Kitchener, ON, Erich Andreas Walther of Woodstock, ON and step-grandchildren Holly and Adam Chatterson of Woodstock, ON. Loving great Oma to Amber and Shayla Varley and Colton Thompson. Predeceased by her sister Leoni Blume and brothers Rudy Furhman and Heinz Furhman. Dear sister and sister-in-law of Ursula Rastonis (Ignasius) of Port Franks, ON, Gunther Furhman (Christie) of Poplar Hill, ON and Annie Fuhrman of London, ON. Remembered by her nieces, nephews and their families. Leaving the family greenhouse business in Schonebeck, East Germany where she was born and raised, Gerda immigrated to Canada in 1950 with her husband and two children. Having a personality larger than life, Gerda shared her amazing experiences as a young woman during the second world war. As a talented juggler she bravely risked her life on numerous occasions by tossing hard boiled eggs hidden in her pockets over the fence of a concentration camp as she rode past on her bicycle to work. Following the war, she freed her family from communist rule by bravely leading them over the border to freedom in West Germany at night on four occasions. Her zest for life found new roots on Canadian soil as she and Rudy were well known in Woodstock's German Canadian Community for their proficiency in Ballroom Dancing. The family will be remembered by many residents of Oxford County for their Christmas Tree Farm in Woodstock, ON. Gerda loved gardening and many Woodstock landmarks are home to her beloved trees. Gerda was known as "Omi" to all children, many who visited her farm on school tours in June. She was adored for her warm welcomes, big smiles, wonderful hugs and endless songs, games and stories. Many fun filled hours were spent having tractor rides through the woods and painting eggs at Easter. She will be remembered for her vitality, zeal and wit, as well as her laughter, love of a good joke and her amazing ability to tell a good story. Memorial donations may be made (by cheque) to the Alzheimer Society of Huron County. A private family gathering was held on Sunday May 12, 2013 at the T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home, Dashwood, ON. Cremation with interment at the Presbyterian Cemetery, Woodstock, Ontario at a later date. Memories and condolences can be shared on-line at www.hoffmanfuneralhome.com