December 27thWe Celebrate Erma Maureen SHANTZ (Erb)
Erma Maureen Shantz (Erb), a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 27 at Grand River Hospital. Born on September 2, 1934, in Millbank, Ontario, Erma’s life was a testament to love, resilience, and unwavering faith.
She is deeply missed by her devoted husband of 61 years, Ross Shantz, who stood by her side through life’s joys and challenges. Erma’s legacy of love lives on in her children: Sheila LoBrutto (Tim Weiler) and Byron Shantz, and her cherished grandchildren, Ashlyn Shantz, Nikolas LoBrutto, and Dawson Shantz. She also held a special place in her heart for her step-grandchildren, Amanda (Jeff) Tobias, Rich (Rhonda) Weiler, and her great-grandchildren, Isla Tobias, Dakota, Harper, River, and Tavian Weiler.
Erma embraced a unique bond with Sonia Zelaya Dauria, who lovingly called her mother, and Sonia’s children Alexandra (Brayden) Frey, Isaac Dauria and grandchild Eden Frey.
She is lovingly remembered by her sisters, Grace Buehler (Willard), Eleanor (Freeman) Mast, and Doris (John) VanTrigt, as well as her sister-in-law Reta Erb and brothers-in-law Earl Meyers and Jim Ewing. Erma is predeceased by her siblings Verna (Lorne) Leis, Clara Meyers, Betty Erb, Wilma (Floyd) Good, Helen Ewing, Earl (Edith) Erb, Raymond (Eleanor) Erb, and Lloyd Erb, as well as in-laws Milo (Laura) Shantz and Abraham Dauria. Erma was predeceased by her first husband, Milo Good, in a tragic car accident, and is remembered by the Good family.
Erma’s life overflowed with creativity and service. She found joy in her flower beds, vegetable gardens, and handcrafting quilts, ceramics, and knitted treasures.
Erma cherished time spent with her grandchildren, whether traveling with them or being together at the cottage, baking, crafting or simply playing cards around the kitchen table.
In 1975, Erma went to work for the newly opened Stone Crock restaurant where she welcomed guests as a hostess until 1979. In 1981, she became the first store manager of the Self Help Store (later Ten Thousand Villages) in New Hamburg. Even when arthritis forced her to retire in 1984, Erma continued to lend a helping hand by co-managing St. Jacobs Furnishings and helping out around the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market.
Erma’s heart for hospitality extended to opening her home to international guests from Tanzania, Poland, Japan, El Salvador and beyond, she loved to entertain and her door was always open to friends and family, demonstrating her boundless love and generosity. Erma and Ross embraced their shared passion for travel, marveling at God’s creation during visits to Europe, South Africa, South America, Florida winters, and Caribbean adventures.
A devoted member of Wilmot Mennonite Church, Erma served in countless roles, including Elder, Church Council Chair, Girls’ Club leader and Sunday School teacher. Her work on the Ontario Women’s Missionary Service Committee and Mennonite Central Committee’s Peace and Justice initiatives reflected her commitment to making the world a better place.
Erma’s unwavering Christian faith guided her every step, and she lived by a simple yet profound desire to reflect love for all people.
The family wishes to thank the Doctors and 6th Floor North Nurses at Grand River Hospital for their exceptional support and care.
Visitation will be held at the Mark Jutzi Funeral Home in New Hamburg, Ontario on Saturday January 4th, 2025, from 6pm to 8pm and Sunday January 5th, 2025, from 1pm to 3pm.
A Celebration of Life will take place at Shantz Mennonite Church on Monday January 6th at 11am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to, MEDA, Mennonite Central Committee, The Working Centre or House of Friendship
Erma’s life was a beacon of light and love, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Personal condolences and donation information can be found on the funeral home website at www.markjutzifuneralhomes.ca