GASTMEIER, ETHEL Florence

Passed away peacefully at Chartwell Westmount L.T.C., Kitchener on Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at the age of 96 years. Loving mother of Bill Gastmeier (Karen), Jane Gastmeier, Andrew Gastmeier and Katherine Smith (Peter). Grandmother to six and great-grandmother of three. Ethel was born in St. Jacob’s, Ontario and is predeceased by her sister Gertrude Ritter and brother Egbert Schmidt. She earned an ARCT in piano from the Royal Conservatory of Music and graduated with Honorable Mention at the University of Toronto before she turned 20. She married Herbert, a Lutheran Pastor, and they served parishes in Maynooth (1950-1954), Peterborough (1954-1962) and Stratford (1962-1979). She continued her work as an Organist and Choir Director in Waterloo until her retirement. She continued studying throughout her life, earning Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music Degrees from Wilfrid Laurier University. Friends are invited to share their memories of Ethel with her family during visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Monday, August 26, 2019 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Trillium Lutheran Church on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Reception to immediately follow the service in the church hall. Interment to immediately follow the reception at Parkview Cemetery. Condolences for the family and donations to Trillium Lutheran Church or the Faculty of Music at Wilfrid Laurier University may be arranged through the funeral at 519-745-8445 or www.erbgood.com.

This life for me has surely passed And I have loved you to the last. Weep not for me, but courage take And love each other for my sake.

Ethel Rest in Peace Mom.