My parents and your dad met each other in the early 1950's at a boarding house in Levack.My mother worked in the kitchen and helped serve meals to the miners. Your dad and mine both were miners. Your mom came from Germany to join your dad, some months later with their first daughter, Rosemarie, who was only a few months old and whom your dad was seeing for the first time, since he had come to Canada to look for work ahead of your mother.  She was pregnant and was not allowed the long trip on the ocean liner in those days.

Our parents (both parties being of german origin) became good friends and stayed in touch over many years. Your family grew (5 children), whereas I remained an only child. That is probably one of the reasons I always felt close to your family. We had no relatives in Canada, and whenever we went to visit your family on the farm in St. Charles, I was always very happy and excited. Our families spent many happy moments and events together, often with other german families too. Your mother was admired amongst her family and friends for all those wonderful meals she cooked(very, very many) that we would then share sitting around a big table. Your mother was a very hard and efficient worker, helping your dad with all the farmwork, as well as raising all of you.

I have a very fond memory of when I was about 8 years old or so. It was summer vacation and I was coming to spend a week with all of you on the farm. I was very excited to see you all! It was great to spend time outdoors and see the animals as well. One morning I got up very early as I wanted to go out to the barn with your mother where the chickens were laying. I remember her allowing me to feel very carefully underneath the chicken as they were still in their nests,in order to gather the warm, fresh eggs that they had just laid. I, being a " city girl ", was absolutely thrilled!

I also remember that your mom sewed clothing for all of you as children, even for the boys. Where did she find the time? And for all the grandchildren, she has been sewing quilts, pillows, doll clothes and more over the years.  Yes, your mom will certainly be remembered for all her meals, hobbies and ambitions.

One more very important thing that sticks out in my mind about your mom, was how  she saved my mom back in the 1970's when Sudbury witnessed its first tornado. My dad was in Germany, I was at my aunt and uncle's place in New York State, during summer vacation, and your mom and Rosemarie were spending some days at our house during a time when your mother and Rosemarie were working at the Sheridan Hotel. My mother was standing in front of her big living room window and looking out as it got windier and darker outside. Somehow she didn't realize how dangerous the situation was. In a spur of the moment as your mother saw her standing there, she called out to my mother in a loud voice to get away quickly from that window. My mother turned away and just a few seconds later the whole window shattered and thousands of glass splitter were lying all over the living room. Your mother's quick reaction saved my mother from getting severely injured. We were so grateful to her and have never forgotten that. 

The years have gone by quickly, we are all adults and have gone our own ways, have families of our own. As you know, Rosemarie and I have stayed in close contact over all these years, and everytime I would make a trip back to Canada to visit my parents(in the last 4 to 5 years sometimes twice a year), your mom alwas invited me to come for supper with Rosemarie. She was still a great cook and baker, and I enjoyed and appreciated those moments reminiscing with her. She had lots of interesting stories to tell.

Your mother will be well remembered among the german people who knew her, and her friends and neighbours. Remember, our parents grew up very differently than we did. Their values, ideas and way of thinking often differs from ours, and we may not have always agreed with them, but they tried their best in whichever way they could and we have all learned much about life from them.

May the Lord bless you and let you rest in peace Frau Albrecht!