Obituary for Astrida Reader (Berzinsh)
Astrida Reader Nov 27, 1930-April 18, 2024
Peacefully, on April 18, 2024 Astrida Reader (Berzinsh) passed away of natural causes in Paris Ontario. Her devoted husband Calvin Alexander Reader (born Bonavista Newfoundland) pre- deceased Mom in 2010. They were a love story to the end.
Astrida leaves her loving and devoted children, James Alexander (Susan Balkwill), Edward Julius (Manon Bibeau), Theodor George Reader (Pamela Jacobson). Adored Grandchildren are Matthew, Jessica, the late Claire (1982), Lisa, David, Joel, Hanna, Layla, Jordan. And 5 great grandchildren
Za Za to her legion of friends. Extraordinarily beautiful inside and out. Fiercely loyal. Impossibly high personal standards. Always a story to tell. A gourmet meal to share. Nothing less. A lady.
Born in Riga Latvia, single child to her parents Eleanora and Alexander Berzinsh. Doted on, maybe even spoiled. At 10 the Soviets then the Nazis then the Soviets again, came to take freedom, her country, friends and family. They escaped on the last Red Cross ship with their lives and little else. From 8/years spent running, fleeing, underground, in camps, attics, on the open sea comes a women who lived a remarkable life in service to others. Mom never bemoaned what was lost. Astrida’s story was told to children and community so they might embrace Canada. After finding Dad in Corner Brook, Nfld., marrying at 21 and starting a family, Mom spent the rest of her working life, some 50 years, volunteering and working with children. Her way of giving back to her new country. President of the Home and School Association, School Board trustee, church. It was all about children, family and community. Mom had a saying. “The foundation of society is a three legged stool. Child, parent, school. All three must work together or the stool falls over.”
Mom and Dad lived in Georgetown, Brockville, Mississauga and since 1969 in Paris, Ontario. Fast and strong members of St. Paul’s United Church, they are known and loved throughout their communities. Mom made friends instantly and her practice was never to forget a kindness. She wrote endless letters, birthday, Christmas cards, made phone calls, and dinners and table settings were her specialty. She stayed in touch. And she absolutely loved to celebrate her birthday! So did her family and friends. Cards abounded. The industry will miss her! Astrida Reader had a way with words and her most elegant ones were, “thank you”. Taught us the most beautiful thing you can wear is a smile. One of her grandkids said, "I don't know anyone quite like grandma"!
The family would like to thank her physician of 48 years, Dr. John McDonald and the many wonderful staff at Telfer Place, retirement home, who became Moms extended family. Special mention to Lilia, whose personal attention and encouragement made the difficulties of age more bearable. Mom had an extraordinary memory, could recall friends phone numbers decades later. And so the Reader family will always remember with fondness the many kindnesses of Moms many friends, and their children over the years.
Cremation has taken place. There will be a celebration of Astrida’s life for all to come! Catered of course! It will be held, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm May 30, 2024. at Wm. Kipp Funeral Home, 184 Grand River St. N. Paris, Ontario.
And Flowers are most welcome. Yellow her favourite!
Donation’s in Astrida’s memory; Mom would be pleased if they are directed to St. Paul’s United Church, Paris, Ontario, or to the charity of your choice.
Online Condolences and donations may be arranged through www.wmkippfuneralhome.com or by contacting Wm. Kipp 519 442 3061
Peacefully, on April 18, 2024 Astrida Reader (Berzinsh) passed away of natural causes in Paris Ontario. Her devoted husband Calvin Alexander Reader (born Bonavista Newfoundland) pre- deceased Mom in 2010. They were a love story to the end.
Astrida leaves her loving and devoted children, James Alexander (Susan Balkwill), Edward Julius (Manon Bibeau), Theodor George Reader (Pamela Jacobson). Adored Grandchildren are Matthew, Jessica, the late Claire (1982), Lisa, David, Joel, Hanna, Layla, Jordan. And 5 great grandchildren
Za Za to her legion of friends. Extraordinarily beautiful inside and out. Fiercely loyal. Impossibly high personal standards. Always a story to tell. A gourmet meal to share. Nothing less. A lady.
Born in Riga Latvia, single child to her parents Eleanora and Alexander Berzinsh. Doted on, maybe even spoiled. At 10 the Soviets then the Nazis then the Soviets again, came to take freedom, her country, friends and family. They escaped on the last Red Cross ship with their lives and little else. From 8/years spent running, fleeing, underground, in camps, attics, on the open sea comes a women who lived a remarkable life in service to others. Mom never bemoaned what was lost. Astrida’s story was told to children and community so they might embrace Canada. After finding Dad in Corner Brook, Nfld., marrying at 21 and starting a family, Mom spent the rest of her working life, some 50 years, volunteering and working with children. Her way of giving back to her new country. President of the Home and School Association, School Board trustee, church. It was all about children, family and community. Mom had a saying. “The foundation of society is a three legged stool. Child, parent, school. All three must work together or the stool falls over.”
Mom and Dad lived in Georgetown, Brockville, Mississauga and since 1969 in Paris, Ontario. Fast and strong members of St. Paul’s United Church, they are known and loved throughout their communities. Mom made friends instantly and her practice was never to forget a kindness. She wrote endless letters, birthday, Christmas cards, made phone calls, and dinners and table settings were her specialty. She stayed in touch. And she absolutely loved to celebrate her birthday! So did her family and friends. Cards abounded. The industry will miss her! Astrida Reader had a way with words and her most elegant ones were, “thank you”. Taught us the most beautiful thing you can wear is a smile. One of her grandkids said, "I don't know anyone quite like grandma"!
The family would like to thank her physician of 48 years, Dr. John McDonald and the many wonderful staff at Telfer Place, retirement home, who became Moms extended family. Special mention to Lilia, whose personal attention and encouragement made the difficulties of age more bearable. Mom had an extraordinary memory, could recall friends phone numbers decades later. And so the Reader family will always remember with fondness the many kindnesses of Moms many friends, and their children over the years.
Cremation has taken place. There will be a celebration of Astrida’s life for all to come! Catered of course! It will be held, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm May 30, 2024. at Wm. Kipp Funeral Home, 184 Grand River St. N. Paris, Ontario.
And Flowers are most welcome. Yellow her favourite!
Donation’s in Astrida’s memory; Mom would be pleased if they are directed to St. Paul’s United Church, Paris, Ontario, or to the charity of your choice.
Online Condolences and donations may be arranged through www.wmkippfuneralhome.com or by contacting Wm. Kipp 519 442 3061