Obituary of Barbara Metz

Metz, Barbara ~ After a full and happy life, Barbara died one week shy of her 98th birthday in Elmira early Tuesday morning, May 27, 2014. She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Metz, and two children, Tony and Peter. Barbara is survived by two sons: John (Helen) Metz of Kitchener and Joe (Terry) Metz of Elmira. She is also survived by four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. A word that echoes in many descriptions of Barbara is perseverance. Suffering through the turmoil of the Second World War in Yugoslavia and its aftermath in Austria, she became determined to bring her young family to Canada in hopes of a better life. After a tumultuous two week journey aboard the ship “Beaverbrae” her family safely arrived in Kitchener in 1950. During her time in Canada, Barbara continued to work hard to provide for her family, but lived every day with a contagious zest for life. Swimming and dancing were her two passions. In her retirement years, she faithfully swam every morning, and continued to show off her dancing skills even while using a walker in the nursing home. Her grandchildren have fond memories of weekends at the cottage and family vacations in Florida with Oma. Barbara shared her love of swimming, arts and crafts, bowling and shuffleboard with them, and she treasured the special times they had together. Barbara also shared her joyfulness with her great-grandchildren. She was on a shortlist of 90 year olds who loved to jump on the trampoline, and could play a formidable game of laser tag. She is in a better place and will be dearly missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire. At Barbara’s request, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral home visitation. There will be a private family burial at Woodland Cemetery, Kitchener. In Barbara’s memory, in lieu of flowers, donations to Leisureworld Residents Council, Elmira, or St. Mary’s RC Church, Kitchener, would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. Service Summary No funeral home visitation or service.