Obituary of Renate Eleonore Lerch

Lerch, Renate Renate Lerch (nee Wotschke), in her 90th year, departed peacefully on Saturday February 20th, 2021. She is a force of nature both in her own life and in the life of her family. Born in Offenburg, Baden Baden, Germany, on January 31st 1932, she is the youngest daughter of her late father Willi Wotschke,lithographer, artist and advocate of self learning and Luise Wotschke (nee Wolber), accountant and dedicated proponent of Renate’s explorations and ambitions throughout her life. She is predeceased by her sisters Ruth and Ingeborg Wotschke who were partial to her unreserved honesty and perspectives. Renate's early life with her family propelled her to thrive in adversity, seek a life of authenticity and build a trust in herself unmatched by any opinion of the contrary. These virtues built a confident foundation for her many ambitions including music, learning, teaching and travel; although she would admit that her greatest dedication was to her family which she began through marriage with late husband and jovial Romanian craftsman Wilhelm (Bill) Lerch on June 9th 1956. After the birth of her daughter, Birgitta Hazel (nee Lerch), wife of Jim Hazel, of Kentville, Nova Scotia in 1957, she moved her family to London, Ontario in the winter of 1959. She grew fond of the Canadian lifestyle and landscape, comforted by the opportunities and chance to explore, what she concluded to be, a beautiful country. Shortly after her arrival, she welcomed her son Norbert Lerch, husband of Anna Lerch, of London, Ontario in 1962. While raising her family, she continued to pursue higher education in both music theory and teaching, receiving her diplomas in 1988. She performed, recorded and taught music onwards for the better part of 30 years, all the while enjoying her tulip garden, chatting with neighbours while watching the leaves change from her front porch, performing in choir during Sunday Mass, and of course spending Friday afternoons with her dear and devoted friend, Norene. As her family grew and flourished she focused on ensuring her grandchildren; Willi (Amanda), Luise (Jordan) and Erin Guy; Matthew (Jessica), Benjamin (Elizabeth) and Emily Lerch (SJ); her great grandchildren Liam, Shiloh and Xavier were all supported and intensely loved. Visitors will be received at the John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street, on Tuesday from 6-8pm. Funeral Mass at St. Francis - St. Martin of Tours Church, 46 Cathcart Street, on Wednesday morning at 10am. Interment in St. Peter’s Cemetery. Prayers Tuesday at 7pm. As per the Bereavement Authority of Ontario a limited number of people are able to attend. Please email Donohue@donohuefuneralhome.ca to register. Please include your phone number and preference to visitation, funeral Mass or both. Masks are mandatory. Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. Those wishing to join the family virtually may go to: https://www.facebook.com/parishfrancismartin.