Obituary of Joan Blumreisinger

With heavy hearts, the family of Joan Blumreisinger announces her passing, which occurred peacefully at Extendicare on Wednesday, February 28th after a lengthy battle with dementia. Born Bergitt Else Niethus on Christmas Day, 1933 in Germany, she was the daughter of the late Wilhelm and Charlotte (Rietz) Niethus, and the loving wife of the late Henry Blumreisinger for 54 years.

Joan grew up in Staaken (Berlin), and following the end of the Second World War, she met a handsome young man named Wolfgang (Henry) Blumreisinger, and the two fell in love, emigrating from Germany to Canada in the early 1950's, and they were married soon after. While raising their young family of 3 children, they lived in Weston, Stouffville, and Willowdale until they moved to St. Catharines in the 70's where they resided at 492 Carlton Street until Henry's passing in 2010, followed by Joan's move to Cobblestone Gardens shortly after. She was employed at various grocery stores, finally retiring (twice!) from the A&P on Lakeshore Road.

Joan and Henry spent many years travelling Canada and the US, making friends everywhere they went; their refrigerator was adorned with magnets from every state and province they visited, and their living room was full of photo albums documenting their adventures. Despite living in Canada for half a century, Joan never lost her signature German accent. She loved family gatherings; grandchildren were always greeted with "You want some cookies? There's Coke in the fridge!" Whether it was a family gathering at 492, Mike and Margaret's, or Kay and John's place, Joan always loved being surrounded by her family.

Joan was Mom to Mike (Margaret) Blumreisinger of Aurora, Kay (John) Holly, and Mark (Maureen) Blumreisinger of St. Catharines; she was Omi to Joanne (Chris), Adam (Jessica), Evan (Juliana), Laurie, Chris (Melissa), Cam (Bethany), Kyle, Bug, and Karli. Joan was Great-Omi to Gavin, Braden, Aubree, Matthew, and Benjamin. Along with her parents, and her husband Henry, Joan was predeceased by her brother, Uwe. Many thanks to the front-line staff of Extendicare who cared for Joan during her time there. Your kindness will not be forgotten.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Essentials Cremation and Burial Services. In keeping with Joan's wishes, cremation has taken place, and a celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Interment will take place at Victoria Lawn Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances to the Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region would be appreciated by the family.