Mary Rausch

1919-2013

Mary passed through transition peacefully, surrounded by her family at Winston Park Retirement Home on Thursday, July 4th, 2013 at the age of 94.

She was the beloved wife of the late Raimund Rausch; dear mother of Dr. Victor Rausch and his partner Elaine Carpenter of Kitchener, and Gerda Kugler and her husband Ned Janjic of Hamilton. Mary will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Laura, Kurt, Carla, Paul and great grandchildren Evan, Justin, Annie and Maxim as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter-in-law Geraldine Rausch of Kitchener, her sisters Dr. Katherina Froese of Leamington, Greta Graef of London, Lena Hein of Germany and her brother Heinrich Bergen of Germany.

Mary was a shining star during her life’s journey – from her place of birth on a German settlement in the Ukraine, she and her family escaped from Russia, fled through Eastern Europe during WWII to West Germany and finally immigrated to Canada in 1948.

With her family’s support, her unique sense of humor and her optimism for the future, she worked in the tobacco fields for fifty cents an hour and eventually became a proud part owner of Fashion Lane Ladies Wear in downtown Waterloo. She was a busy mother, a “green thumb” gardener, an avid dancer and an astute business woman. She made many friends and will be fondly remembered by all those who were fortunate enough to have known her.

Friends may call at the Ratz-Bechtel Funeral Home, 621 King St. West on Sunday, July 7th from 2-4 and 7-9pm.

A private, family service will be held. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Schlegel Villages Charitable Foundation – Winston Park, and can be arranged by contacting the funeral home (519)745-9495.