Mrs Gerda Eschbach (née Bumblat)

ESCHBACH, GERDA (Nee Bumblat)

Passed away as peacefully as she lived and with dignity at the West Island Palliative Care Residence on Sunday, March 18th at age 89. She was surrounded by the people she loved in the months leading up to her death, following a courageous battle with cancer. We have lost a loving mother, a thoughtful and generous Oma and great-Oma, and the world has lost a kind, loving and gentle soul. Gerda exemplified kindness, compassion, and generosity of spirit and always had a warm smile for everyone. She was so effortlessly herself and the world loved her for it. She was a simple, unassuming woman who basked in life’s splendours. She adored her family more than anything.

Gerda loved all animals, large or small, feathered or furry. She adored the outdoors, the sunshine, and nature in all its glory. She had a green thumb and could make any plant grow and thrive. She loved to cook and bake and never missed an opportunity to share her goods with anyone who dropped in for a visit, whether invited or unexpected. Everyone was welcome in her home. This gave her immense pleasure. She also had a great passion for reading.

Gerda was born in Tilsit, East Prussia on December 10, 1928, one of five children, all who have predeceased her. She endured many hardships and losses during the war years, but they never dampened her spirit. She immigrated to Canada in 1956 where she settled and raised her family. She worked hard all her life. She always adapted readily to new situations with what seemed like ease. She viewed each day as a new beginning, embracing optimism. She bore the hallmark of a true survivor.

She leaves behind her three children and their spouses: Rolf (Helene), Sonja (Jim Gates) and Corinna (Bob O’Neill). She also leaves behind seven grandchildren whom she loved dearly and one great grand daughter, Matilda. She recently had the good fortune of meeting 11-month-old Matilda for the first time three months before her death and several times until she became too ill. This gave her immeasurable joy. She is pre-deceased by her husband Paul Eschbach.

A cage is empty
A bird, set free
Fly away tender bird
To Eternity

Fly away to the mountains
The meadows, the trees
We’ll see you there
In the vast open seas

And we’ll feel you there
In the soft summer breeze

We’ll hear your call
In the robin’s song
And the sweet, sweet sound
Will linger on

Will linger on
In our hearts
In our hearts

Your spirit lives on
In our hearts
In our hearts
(by Corinna O’Neill)

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Moghrabi of the Lakeshore General Hospital for his caring and devoted professionalism in the past 5 years, the dedicated and compassionate staff and exceptional volunteers of the West Island Palliative Care Residence for their comfort and support in Gerda’s final earthly journey, Dr. A. Iancu, CLSC LSL palliative care nurse Sara Belanger. You are all an amazing group of people and we were so honoured to have met you all. Also many thanks go to Debi MacGillivray for being a loving friend and companion to Gerda in her final year of life giving her limitless joy, entertainment and laughter and finally comfort and peace in her final months of life. Gerda loved her like a daughter.

Gerda, a sweet loving soul, gone from this earth but never forgotten. She will live on in the hearts of all those who were blessed to love and to know her. She will truly be missed.

Donations can be made to the West Island Palliative Care Residence (www.wipcr.ca), Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary (HEEFS) – (www.happilyeveresther.ca). A private family celebration and reminiscence of her life will be held this summer.