Below please see the Obituary for one of our long time winter residents, Ericka Winiker. Their residence at 1998 W. Shell Lane will stay in the family and be managed by her daughter Christine.
Erika Winiker – December 4, 1940 ~ May 27, 2024
Interment: Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 8361 Yonge Street, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 2C7
Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Erika Winiker on May 27, 2024, at the age of 83. Erika was a wonderful wife, mother, sister and grandmother. She raised a family in Canada with her devoted husband of 61 years, Thomas. Her beloved children: Thomas (Ginny), Christine (Raul), Michael (deceased) (Sabena); her seven grandchildren: Emily, Elizabeth, Eric, Leo, Mikey, Lukas and Thomas; and her sister Erna in Switzerland will remember her legacy. Erika was predeceased by her older brother, Kurt, and her twin brother, Ernie.
Erika was born in Schönenwerd,Switzerland in 1940. With courage and determination, she headed to Canada at the age of 19 to become an Au Pair. In Toronto, she honed her homemaking skills—and her English—and met the love of her life, Thomas Winiker, at a Swiss Club event in Grand Valley. After their Canadian courtship, they returned to Switzerland for their wedding and honeymoon. They settled in North York and, over the next 61 years, developed many successful businesses. Thomas was the dreamer and Erika managed the day-to-day operations and kept the businesses on track.
Erika was proud of her Swiss heritage. Like a picturesque Swiss chalet, her homes and cottages had meticulous gardens and her window boxes overflowed with beautiful flowers. Erika loved gardening and was the proud recipient of the Gravenhurst Daisy Award, which recognizes residents who produce beautiful front yard gardens. She will be remembered for her delicious Swiss cooking, which family and friends enjoyed during weekend visits. Friday “Fondue Night” and Sunday morning breakfasts with hand-braided Zopf are two Swiss traditions that will remind us of Erika.
Erika’s most cherished accomplishment was her family. Many of her best family memories were at the cottage in Buckhorn or Muskoka and in Vero Beach, Florida, where she loved to relax and host. At the heart of everything, Erika enjoyed spending time with the people who loved her, especially her husband Tom, to whom she was a dedicated caregiver. Erika and Thomas were inseparable and loved each other until the end. Erika will be missed by all, but has left a legacy of great memories, gardening tips, and a few of her Swiss recipes.
Please join us to say farewell to our beloved Mutti and Grandma Schatz
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation https://www.heartandstroke.ca