From Judy Steeper:
Everyone looked fantastic in their festive green at our St. Patrick’s TGIF, bringing so much spirit and fun to the celebration. The room was filled with laughter, great conversation, and a warm sense of togetherness. It was truly a night where everyone could relax, enjoy themselves, and create happy memories—one we’ll be smiling about for a long time
VOCKENTANZ: Peacefully, surrounded by love, at her residence on Monday, March 16, 2026, Helga Marianne (Mizler) Vockentanz of Grand Bend, age 84. Beloved wife of Klaus Guenther Vockentanz. Dearly loved mother and mother-in-law of Birgit and Keith Baia of Vancouver, BC., and Mark Vockentanz of London. Cherished Oma of Kurt Baia and Alison Sung, Amanda Baia, Emma Vockentanz, Mya Vockentanz and Cole Vockentanz. Treasured Great-Oma of our little Riley. Dear sister-in-law of Helga Mizler of Germany and Renate Fleischman of Germany. Remembered by her nieces, nephews and their families. Predeceased by her parents Freidrich and Marie (Graemer) Mizler, brother Richard Mizler and brother-in-law Kurt Vockentanz.
The Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, Grand Bend, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 12 p.m., with visitation at the church beginning at 11:00 a.m. The Rev. Fr. Anthony Lobo Celebrant. Cremation to follow, with interment Pinery Cemetery at a later date.
Helga was born in Schwabach Germany, a smaller city not far from Nuremberg. She met the love of her life Klaus at the age of 16 and they were married in 1961. Exactly 9 months later, Birgit arrived into their happy home. A few short years later, a life changing decision had to be made when Klaus was given a great job opportunity and a chance to play soccer for the Tetonia club in Windsor. With a heavy heart but one filled also with hopes of a beautiful life in Canada, the young family was ready for the adventure and moved in 1964.
Despite the challenges they confronted in a new country, Helga made their house into a home for their new family of 4 when Mark came along in 1967. She learned the language by watching her soap operas, enjoyed raising her children and working at several different part-time jobs, one of them for a photography studio which she so enjoyed. In 1984, she beamed with pride at becoming a Canadian citizen In 2002, after Klaus had retired, the dream of moving closer to her kids and grandkids was realized when they purchased a property in Huron Woods in Grand Bend and had their beautiful home built. It was time to relax and enjoy the long walks in the neighbourhood, establishing lifelong relationships, swim in Lake Huron , dig her toes into the sandy beach and travel in Canada, the US and back to Germany. But most of all, it was the time spent with family and friends that brought her the most joy, lovingly preparing one of her delicious meals and just being a part of their lives.
The last years were difficult ones to say the least but she was happy, happy to be in her home surrounded by nature’s beauty and by the warmth and comfort of the devoted care by the Love of her Life.
We would like to send our sincere thanks to the Staff at OneCare in Grand Bend as well as the staff of Bayshore for providing such loving care.
Arrangements entrusted to the T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home, Dashwood. If desired, memorial donations (payable directly) to the Alzheimer’s Society (Huron Perth) would be appreciated by the family. Condolences at www.hoffmanfuneralhome.com
Join us for a fun morning of Easter activities!
10:30 AM: Check-in at the Clubhouse
Decorate and personalize your Easter egg bag.
*Please do not collect eggs on your way into the Clubhouse*
Egg Hunt
Grab your bag and head out to collect eggs!
Ice Cream Bar
Wrap up the morning with a sweet treat.
Please RSVP by March 27 to:
HW Easter Egg Hunt 2026*Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian*
Many of you would have seen our team walking the 5k route on Thursday afternoon and we want to thank those of you in Huron Woods who supported us. Our team has raised $10,865 which represents over 25% of all funds raised so far in the Exeter area. We are in the top 100 of the 6385 teams across Canada and so far over $12 million has been raised! The funds our team raised will stay in the area to support local initiatives. Donations can still be made till the end of March.
CLICK HERE TO CONTRIBUTE
Thanks – John and Barb
