Isolde Lahring

Wilfried’s Tribute to Mum Isolde was a good mum, cared for her family and above all was totally devoted to dad. Mum revelled in her social life. Wherever she went she would collect friends. It gave her energy and purpose in life. She really was a social butterfly. Isolde made and kept friendships through family, neighbours who lived close by, work colleagues, employees, her many German friends in the community (and I have no idea how she found them all). Going dancing with dad, the ladies auxiliary at the lodge, or people she met on holiday including resort staff wherever she and dad went on holiday. She was active and enthusiastic in everything. Anyone who knew her would joke that she never walked anywhere, she only ran. Even the last couple of visits with her still living at home, if any of us was going anywhere, it didn’t matter where, she would want to come along. Mealtimes, morning and afternoon coffee breaks were a ritual, and a time for visiting and catching up with everyone. It was like a battery recharge for her, that would get her through to the next visit with someone. Her formal meals or coffee breaks had great food and someplace you would want to be, but you could never be late. It’s a German thing. But mum was most complete when she was with dad. They were everything to each other. She and dad together worked hard to be able to live comfortably and independently. Weekends when dad wasn’t working were spent going out on picnics and later to the cabin with friends and family. This was their work circuit breaker to recharge and where Heinjo and I enjoyed our youth. Mum supported us in pretty much anything we chose to do, whether it was just hanging out with friends, for me at church, cubs, scouts, music lessons, square dancing, work, university then my in first home in Olds. I didn’t need lots of people around. One friend or none was enough for me. I knew when I had disappointed her and took my lumps, but she never held a grudge and I got to be independent and move on to my next adventure. The weekend cabin was where I could do all the things I wanted without any restrictions. Chop wood, build stuff, explore, ski, shoot at stuff and play in the dirt. It was the best opportunity you could give a boy like me. Isolde was a happy and cheerful person who would give you a smile to show it right to the end.

Wilfried’s Tribute to Mum Isolde was a good mum, cared for her family and above all was totally devoted to dad. Mum revelled in her social life. Wherever she went she would collect friends. It gave her energy and purpose in life. She really was a social butterfly. Isolde made and kept friendships through family, neighbours who lived close by, work colleagues, employees, her many German friends in the community (and I have no idea how she found them all). Going dancing with dad, the ladies auxiliary at the lodge, or people she met on holiday including resort staff wherever she and dad went on holiday. She was active and enthusiastic in everything. Anyone who knew her would joke that she never walked anywhere, she only ran. Even the last couple of visits with her still living at home, if any of us was going anywhere, it didn’t matter where, she would want to come along. Mealtimes, morning and afternoon coffee breaks were a ritual, and a time for visiting and catching up with everyone. It was like a battery recharge for her, that would get her through to the next visit with someone. Her formal meals or coffee breaks had great food and someplace you would want to be, but you could never be late. It’s a German thing. But mum was most complete when she was with dad. They were everything to each other. She and dad together worked hard to be able to live comfortably and independently. Weekends when dad wasn’t working were spent going out on picnics and later to the cabin with friends and family. This was their work circuit breaker to recharge and where Heinjo and I enjoyed our youth. Mum supported us in pretty much anything we chose to do, whether it was just hanging out with friends, for me at church, cubs, scouts, music lessons, square dancing, work, university then my in first home in Olds. I didn’t need lots of people around. One friend or none was enough for me. I knew when I had disappointed her and took my lumps, but she never held a grudge and I got to be independent and move on to my next adventure. The weekend cabin was where I could do all the things I wanted without any restrictions. Chop wood, build stuff, explore, ski, shoot at stuff and play in the dirt. It was the best opportunity you could give a boy like me. Isolde was a happy and cheerful person who would give you a smile to show it right to the end.

Sending our love and condolences to Heinjo and Wilfred, to their their families, and to Isolde's surviving sisters. Tante Isolde was actively engaged in my life since I was a young girl. She was always happy, always made me feel welcome and loved, always ready to provide food, refreshments and joy with generosity and affection. With fond memories, I along with my husband Ian, and mother, Elfriede, will miss her dearly.