It is with the most profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Mitzi Guth after a very brief struggle with Leukemia. Mitzi died quietly and peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital, Kitchener on May 27th, 2017 at the age of 86.
She is survived by five of her six children; Mary Lou Hale (Larry), Michael Guth (Christine); Kathy Hesch (Phil), Terry Guth and Gary Guth (Charlene). She is predeceased by her husband Adam R. Guth (1967) and her daughter Susan Coleman (May 2017). She is survived by one sister, Rose Lehmann of Kitchener and by 12 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren as well as numerous nephews and nieces. She is also survived by her sister in law Katharine Small (Harvey), of Cambridge.
Mitzi was born November 28, 1930 in the village of Maryhill and grew up during the height of the Great Depression. She was the youngest of nine children, having two sisters and six brothers. Mitzi met her future husband Adam in Kitchener where he had become the new butcher. The new arrival from German speaking Transylvania caught her eye and soon they were to be married, producing six children. Tragically widowed at 36 years old, Mitzi showed her strength to the world having to raise six children on her own. Precious few resources were available to her to help raise the children. Mitzi held onto the family home and continued to provide for each one of her children. She toiled away at Greb Shoes for many years rising to the rank of supervisor. She took on many home sewing jobs to raise extra money, having made both bridal gowns and bridesmaid’s gowns for several neighbours, relatives and friends. All the while making sure all six of her children were always well fed and properly clothed. Her work ethic, grit and determination held our family together and instilled in us the values we all possess today.
Mitzi was known for her culinary skills often drawing on lessons she learned during the Depression and a family holiday together always eagerly anticipated her contribution. She was a gifted self- taught baker as well, producing memorable cakes and pies. Mitzi was as comfortable with a fishing pole in her hand as she was with butcher knife. Family butchering day always signaled pork patties or homemade sausage for supper!
A family game night inevitably involved her as the centre of attention, with all her kids having a great laugh at her expense. Usually it was Mitzi, with a great twinkle in her eye that would be laughing at herself the loudest.
Madeline was the pillar of the family. She was deeply loved and respected by her many relatives. She enjoyed the visits she received from her nieces and nephews and looked forward to their life experiences and stories. She was a creative and hard working woman and passed these traits on to family members
Mitzi had been a mentor and a confidant to us but what she had been most of all is an inspiration. We will strive to honour her memory.
Mom, we miss you so much. You taught us to be respectful and inclusive. You showed us how to be brave without aggression and how to be proud with humility. You planted the seed of curiosity in all of us and you were wise enough to stand back and let us each spread our wings. You taught us about strength both in character and family. You loved and were loved. You were our refuge, our voice of reason and our rock. You always had our backs.
We love you Mom.
At Mom’s request there will be no Funeral or Visitation. As a way of remembrance, donations may be made to the Canadian Kidney Foundation or the charity of your choice.
A very special and warm thank you to the Nurses and Doctors of floor six at St. Mary’s Hospital. Our family is deeply grateful for your care and compassion.
There will be a memorial service or celebration of life at a later date for our mother.