FOELLMER, Berta (nee Muller)

On January 7, 2023 at the age of 101 and after a very full life, Berta Foellmer passed at her home in Victoria House surrounded by family. She was the daughter of Lina and Albrecht Muller of Germany. Predeceased by her dear husband Bruno Foellmer, sister Gertrud Heydorn, brother Herbert Muller (Kuni), brother and sister-in-law Kurt and Magda Foellmer, nephew Wolfgang Heydorn, and her very close friend and companion Alan Piercy. Cherished aunt to Anne Knegt (George predeceased), far away but beloved by niece and nephews Margit Altman (Karl-Ernst Altmann), Harry Muller (Uschi), Dietmar Muller (Doris). She will be missed by her many great- and great-great nephews and nieces. She was also beloved as another mother to the Carson kids, Christine Carson (David), Sheila Purkiss (Kevin), Paul Carson, Oma to their children and lovingly remembered by friend Lorne Carson (Nancy predeceased) as well as many other friends and relatives.

Berta was a hard-working, resilient and determined individual: she was a Red Cross Nurse, factory supervisor, farm owner, Helping Hands employee and loving caregiver as well as an adventurer. In 1957 she re-invented her life by immigrating from Germany to Orillia as a mail order bride, leaving behind family, friends and home for her new horizons. Berta was a woman who knew how to have a good time, tell a captivating story and she had a wonderful sense of fun and humour. She and Bruno travelled extensively through Europe and North America. On their many travels over the years, they visited Paris, Italy, Budapest, saw the peak of Denali National Park in Alaska, drove through the United States in their camper, crossed the border into Mexico, and visited Hawaii. Berta said that wherever they were the sun always shone and whenever she watched a travel show her most common comment was, "I have been there!"
A bad car accident landed her at Victoria House and she beat the odds: walking again, playing pool -where she taught Alan how it was done - and showing no mercy when playing cards, Jenga, chess or Rummikub. Berta was quick to share a joke, give her opinion or advice and always knew the “correct” way of doing things.

We appreciate all the kindness and care given by the nurses, PSWs and staff from Victoria House for the many years that Berta called it her home.

She will be missed, but her larger than life personality, adventurous spirit and life lessons she shared will stay with us forever.

Following cremation, family and friends whose lives Berta touched are invited to Mundell Funeral Home, 79 West Street North, Orillia, on Sunday January 15 from 1 to 3 followed by a service at 3 pm.
Interment will follow at St. Andrew's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Kidney Foundation of Canada, or a charity of your choice.