Tuesday, January 25, 2022
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"Ein treues Mutterherz hat aufgehoert zu schlagen" steht es oft in deutschen Traueranzeigen. Und es trifft genau auf Leni zu.
"Mothering" came naturally to Leni. As one of 12 children she learned early in life to care for and look after her siblings.When she talked about her childhood, she would point out that the close family ties helped overcome many hardships in her early life.
Naturally, she would strife to be the best mother ever for her three children who she raised together with her husband Bernard.
She would revel in their success and be there to support and guide in their failures.
But she did not stop there. Her motherly compassion would expand further and further. Leni had the instinctive knowledge to be there for you, in Freud und Leid.
When I suddenly had to fly to Germany for my father's funeral, she came to my apartment, ready to console & comfort before I left.
My son would know her as "Oma Leni" well before she sported the yellow caution sign "Oma on Board" in the window of her VW Beetle. She would fulfill some of his wishes on many of his birthdays. He still remembers "Kirby" for his Gameboy!
Her birthplace Duesseldorf, is known as one of the carnival strongholds and Leni was surely one of the most lively "Karnevalesin" that I know. Her love for singing and her humor would entertain many. This gift was greatly appreciated in the German Benevolent Society and the Frohe Runde for many decades. As a founding member of the CONCORDIA Ladies Choir she shared her voice and love of music for over 35 years.
Leni was a valued parishioner of St. Albertus, Ottawa. Sunday masses were very important for her and afterwards, she would visit for hours those who were sick or living in Senior Homes. Always checking at reception if there were other German speaking residents, who needed contact.
She was a driving force for the annual bazaars, spending endless hours producing items for sale. In many homes there are still items with a sticker " Handcrafted Leni Bolte".
During the last few years, living in Perth, quite a few of us were able to meet with Leni for special visits. It was always amazing to witness Leni and her "joie de vivre" especially when singing together.
"Wenn Gott will" (God willing) was one of her favorite saying..... and He wanted her to come Home. Our loss is heaven's gain.
Auf Wiedersehn, Leni
