ZISTER, ANNE (BUNNY) nee ROEHRIG

LIFE HAS NOT ENDED, JUST CHANGED.
Passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, on October 20, 2011 after a courageous and lengthy battle with cancer, at the age of 70.

Sadly missed but not forgotten by Jerry, her loving husband of fifty one years, her children Jerry (Janice), Pat (Aileen), Darryl (Lenore), grandchildren Jamie, Jaclyn, Jill, Jonathan, Sarah, Billy, Adam, Joseph, great grandchildren Zachary and Hayleigh, her brothers Robbie (Sandy), Nick (Olga), Mike (Dolores), sister Mary Algar (Merv), sister-in-laws Diane, Mary-Anne (Ron) and Theresa, as well as many nephews and nieces. Predeceased by her parents Elizabeth (Betty) and Robert (Rusty) Roehrig, brother Tony, sister Dorothy Geelen (Bob) and grandson Ryan.

Saying goodbye to someone you love is very personal and emotional, and the time has come for us to do just that to our beloved Bunny. We are sad and our hearts are heavy as we send her on her way knowing that her life was challenging and full. She gave a unique depth to the meaning of “others” that we will always remember. Providing comfort, support and advice on life and how it can be lived well was her hallmark. She often used her extensive knowledge of medical issues, which would have made her mom proud, to guide us through our aches and pains. Although her own illness was difficult, she remained optimistic and brave and often worried more about us than she did about herself.

Not unlike most people, her roles in life were many and varied, but it was those as wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunt that she cherished and excelled at and which gave her the greatest joy.

Her beautifully presented flower arrangements will continue to provide lasting memories of her creativity and artistic talent. As a self-taught bookkeeper she minded the family business with dedication, accuracy and the frugality it needed to be as successful as it is today.

Throughout her life she embraced her faith and we take comfort in knowing that she has left us all better people for having known her.

She lived her life with honesty, integrity, dignity and compassion and enjoyed a large circle of friends. She especially enjoyed her lunches with the girls from grade 8; cruise nights with the vintage car folks and aquatics with the ladies.

The tapestry of Bunny’s life is complete. A vibrant, colourful, passionate pattern representing the totality of her time with us. It is one of a kind and like all beautiful artwork different people see different things. Regardless of what you see it will be fondly remembered.

Special thanks to the staff at Paramed, especially Cindy whose compassion, counsel and care are deeply appreciated. Also, Bunny’s family physician, Dr. Lois McLaughlin who always had time to listen and make visits to her home and to Dr. Hubay for her endless support throughout Bunny’s illness. Finally, to her family and friends whose prayers, visits and calls helped to make the journey though her illness more bearable, especially her sister Mary who was always there for her.

When you are sorrowful look into your heart and you will see that you are crying for all of the delight and happiness that Bunny has brought into your life.

That she died - We Mourn
That she lived – We rejoice
Thanks for the memories

Till we meet again when every tear will be wiped away, God Bless and may you Rest In Peace.

Bunny's family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, October 23, 2011 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick St., Kitchener, 519-749-8467. Parish prayers 8:30 pm Sunday evening. Prayers will be offered in the funeral home chapel at 9:20 am on Monday, October 24, 2011 followed by procession to St. Anthony Daniel Church, 29 Midland Dr., Kitchener for a Funeral Mass at 10 am. Fr. Earl Talbot officiating
Interment Woodland Cemetery followed by a reception in the Parish Life Centre.
As expressions of sympathy flowers are welcomed as Bunny loved her flowers, or donations to the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre would be appreciated by the family (cards available at the funeral home).