Remembering Elizabeth Gerlinger
February 10, 1928 - November 26, 2015 Elizabeth (Simon) Gerlinger passed away Nov 26th at the age of 87 at the Drumheller Hospital. Though she twice conquered cancer and remarkably recovered from several major surgeries, she inevitably succumbed to the heart failure that had complicated her life for many years.
Born at Spiritwood, SK to Joe and Mary (Mayzaros) Simon, she was the youngest of five children born to them. In early adulthood she moved to East Coulee and later married Joseph Gerlinger. Over the years they operated several businesses in East Coulee where they also raised their five children. She was always a very hard worker and a wonderful cook specializing in the Hungarian recipes her family and friends grew to love. Another of her specialties was the love she shared with the dogs that entered her life and stayed in her heart forever.
Liz (Lizzie) is survived by daughter Betty (McLachlin) in Red Deer; 4 sons, Richard/Joe, Don (Linda) in East Coulee, Peter in Brandon, MB, and Jim (Debbie) in Drumheller; 9 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren and 4 step-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her dear sister Teresa Tretiak in Drumheller, five nieces and their families, as well as many dear friends who enriched her life with their phone calls and visits which she always looked forward to with the usual servings of coffee and snacks. Loved ones who pre-deceased her were brothers Joseph and George Simon, sister Mary Simon (in childhood), daughter-in-law Michelle Gerlinger, and sister-in-law Elizabeth Simon.
Funeral Services for Mrs. Elizabeth Gerlinger will be held at Drumheller Church of the Nazarene, Monday, November 30, 2015 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Glenn Reeder officiating. A private family interment will be held at the Drumheller Cemetery following the service.
For those wishing, memorial donations to Drumheller & District Humane Society &/OR Drumheller Area Health Foundation are gratefully appreciated.
