Obituary of Friedlinde Erika Stumpf

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of our Friedlinde (Linda) Erika Stumpf at Deer Lodge Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba on May 7, 2023.

Linda was born in Nurnberg, Germany during a time when the country was at war. Growing up as the middle child in a family of eight children she shared with us many wonderful stories about her memorable childhood. She was able to attend trade school and learned to cook when she was just fourteen years of age. She was a wonderful cook and spoiled us with her delicious meals and exquisite tortes. 

When Linda was eighteen she married the love of her life Willi. Two years later in 1957 Linda, Willi and their first daughter Silvia embarked on the long journey by ship to Canada and then by train to Winnipeg. Soon, after their second daughter was born, Helene. A third daughter was born a few years later, Veronika, making the family complete. Family was everything to Mum and she was very proud of her daughters.

Life in a new country was very difficult in the beginning but Linda had great fortitude and determination to make it home. Linda was a very energetic and intelligent woman. She held several jobs and eventually advanced her career to become the manager at a farm equipment manufacturer and worked in this position for 27 years until retirement.

Linda had many talents, mostly self-taught. In addition to her culinary skills she had a knack for style. She amazed us with her ability to tackle projects such as furniture upholstering, sewing canvas tents and knitting baby clothes for her grandchildren.

Linda was a kind, thoughtful and generous person. She made friends easily and always had a good word to say about everyone. Whenever there was a special occasion and Mum was the host we could count on her to make it memorable. Christmas was her passion and each year she made it magical for us in true Bavarian style.

Linda enjoyed camping and travelling with the family spending many summers at various campgrounds in Manitoba and the States. Mumie and Bubie (Mum and Dad) were able to further indulge their love for travel by visiting Germany and Holland several times connecting with family and friends.  Eventually they wanted a permanent place by the lake so they decided to build their dream home on the Winnipeg River. Mumie worked beside Bubie drywalling, painting, landscaping and anything else that she could manage. The house was a great accomplishment and they were able to spend many summers with family and friends enjoying the scenery and wildlife.

Linda was an avid gardener and she loved tending to her flower and vegetable gardens. Most of all she enjoyed feeding the deer and birds that came to the lake house. She had a soft spot for all animals and adopted many stray pets over the years.

Eventually Mumie and Bubie had to move back to Winnipeg. Years later Bubie became very ill and developed dementia. Mumie’s love and devotion for Bubie ran as deep as the ocean and it was no surprise when she courageously took on the daunting task of caring for our father at their home. Mumie faced many challenges during her time as a caregiver and her health was greatly compromised. Shortly after Bubie passed Mumie also developed dementia. She spent her remaining time at Deer Lodge Centre where staff would often comment on her wit and friendliness.

Linda left this life as she lived it - with grace, humility and a selfless loving heart.   

Mumie was pre deceased by her loving husband of 65 years Willi Stumpf in 2020 and her daughter, Helene Kmiec in 2021. Mum was also predeceased by her  parents Rosa and Carl Bodechtel and her siblings.

Left to cherish her memory are her two daughters Silvia Jakobs (John) and Veronika Wiebe (Wes), Zdzislaw, grandchildren Kyle, Matthew (Ashley), Mark (Mikhayla),Haley (Josh), Jessica (Mike), Jeff (Nicole), Corey (Marina) and great grandchildren Olivia, Zayden and Esme.

Cremation has taken place. An interment at Brookside Cemetery and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Deer Lodge Centre, the Winnipeg Humane Society or to a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank the staff at Deer Lodge Centre for their compassionate care and kindness for Mum.

Sie werden immer in Erinnerung bleiben