Obituary of Erna Froese

Erna Louise Froese (Heinrichs)                                                                                                                            

May 24, 1934 – January 15, 2023

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Erna Louise Froese (Heinrichs) on Sunday, January 15, age 88. Born the second of four daughters to Abram & Sara Heinrichs, Erna lived in St. Catharines almost her entire life, attending the Collegiate and then Mack School of Nursing, graduating at the top of her class in 1955. A career geriatric nurse, she was the director of nursing at Tabor Manor for many years, where she was well-respected by both the administration and staff. An energetic person, she was a member of Grace Mennonite Church, served on the board of CMBC, volunteered for Ten Thousand Villages, baked for Out-of-the-Cold. She was a compulsive reader.

 
In 1976, Erna and Jake built their "dream house" on a ravine lot on Butler Crescent. There Erna enjoyed decorating, gardening, cooking and baking. Erna had a fun-loving nature. She planned numerous birthday parties, family game nights and vacations. The Froese family enjoyed coast-to-coast summer camping trips in their Starcraft trailer, with Erna navigating or reading Anne of Green Gables or the tales of Paul Bunyan to her three blond-headed boys. In their retirement, J & E travelled extensively, with destinations including Boynton Beach FL, Ukraine, to see the ancestral settlements, and half-way around the world to Taiwan to see their young grandchildren. 

She will be greatly missed by her sister Margaret Heinrichs, son Gordon, granddaughters Jasmine and Alexi, and daughter-in-law Donna. Erna is predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Jake (2017), sons Mark (2022), and Gerry (2021), sisters Ella (2010) and Hildi (1950).  

Thanks to Irmgard Penner, PSWs, doctors and hospital staff for compassionate care, and those who donate to the Canadian Blood Services.  

Visitation will be Thursday, January 19, 6:00-8:00 pm; funeral Friday, January 20, 10:30 am, both at Grace Mennonite Church, 677 Niagara Street, St. Catharines. Interment at Niagara Lakeshore Cemetery following the service. Memorial donations can be made to Mennonite Central Committee.