Josefa Aloisia (Wilfing) Stern

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our mother, Josefa (Josie) Aloisia Stern, who has gone to her final rest on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at the age of 85. She is pre-deceased by our father, Hans Stern who passed in 1991, and later, by her companion, Heinz Siegenthaler, who passed in 2020.

Mom was third eldest of 9 children born to Maria and Franz Wilfing of Burgau Austria. She leaves behind her four children, John Stern (Anne), George Stern (Rodica), Linda Wright (Douglas) and Peter Stern. She will be missed by her seven beloved grandchildren: Alicia (Justin), Laura, Jonathan, Kevin, Nadia, Leo, and Cararra, and her two great-grandchildren, Ailis and Liam. She is survived by her siblings in Austria and Germany: Maria, Mina, Margit, Hans, Herbert, Brigitte, and Roswitha, and is pre-deceased by her younger brother, Franz.

Mom was born in 1937, just before the start of the 2nd World War into a small farming community in Burgau, Austria. In 1957 at the age of 20, she immigrated to Canada to marry our dad who had immigrated from Switzerland a few years before. Together, they worked hard to learn the language, integrate into Canadian culture, and forged a good life for their family, all the while never forgetting their European roots.

Trained as a seamstress in Austria, mom could create patterns to sew clothes, upholstery, curtains, lingerie and outerwear. Sewing and knitting sweaters for herself and her family were one of her greatest pleasures.

Mom’s second love was her garden. It was there that she found her happy place and loved to share it with others. Whoever came to visit was given a tour of her vegetable garden, fruit trees, and flower beds, and always went home with a care package of what was in season. She also offered home-made apple juice, jams, preserves or baked goods.

An avid baker of Austrian delicacies, mom savoured the tradition of having coffee and a slice of homemade cake, pie or pastry every Sunday afternoon at 3 pm sharp. Mom (or “Omi” as the grandkids called her) always had something freshly baked and ready whenever the grandchildren came through the door!

With only a grade 8 education, mom took part in continuous education night courses and completed her grade 12 English, an achievement she and our family were very proud of. She enjoyed many hobbies and took interest courses in painting, ceramics, wood burning, beading, hair cutting, and leather crafts.

Mom frequently visited her family in Europe and toured many beautiful places with them. She also had the opportunity to enjoy cruises and train vacations, and sightseeing across Canada.

We will remember our mother as a strong, courageous, independent woman who marched to the tune of her own drum. She was devoted to her family and proud of her garden, both of which brought her immense joy.

The family would like to express deep thanks to the staff at Humber River Hospital for their kind and compassionate care during mom’s final hours.

Public Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 19, 2023, from 2-4 pm and Monday, March 20th, from 10-10:45 am at the Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home in Thornhill, 8088 Yonge Street, Thornhill ON, L4J 1W3.

Funeral service will take place on Monday, March 20, 2023 at 11 am in the chapel of the Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home in Thornhill, 8088 Yonge Street, Thornhill ON, L4J 1W3. A private family-only burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Josefa (Josie) Stern to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kanejerrett-thornhill.ca for the Stern family.