Monday, May 25, 2020
“Tante Lemmer”, what a kind and gracious lady. My background knowing Hedwig Lemmer started almost 60 years ago when my Mother was freshly divorced from my father – not exactly a time of when divorce was socially acceptable. My Mother was quite desperate to find a job to support herself and me. The Lemmers generously took us in and gave my Mother a job as Housekeeper and Nanny to Ruth and Heinz Jr. as Hedwig and Heinrich worked long hours to establish and grow their German delicatessen empire, “Lemmer Sausage”, in Bridgeland. It didn’t take long before my Mother was welcomed as a salesclerk to the wildly successful business. Hedwig worked very hard in the enterprise and she made my Mother feel accepted as part of an important team member of the business, and as part of the Lemmer family. Hedwig was always the unfailing bridge to calm any tension between staff or family members.
Always the kind and gentle soul, as I fondly remember her, Tante Lemmer was impeccably dressed for all occasions, was so happy to greet everyone with a warm smile, and made everyone feel wonderful about themselves by complimenting them on how great they looked. I will miss this great lady dearly, and I have such very fond memories of her impact in my life that are too numerous to mention.
Rest in peace, Tante Lemmer – you really deserve it. You have lived a full life and were an example of hard work and dedication to family and friends that many of us would be proud to emulate.
To Ruth, Quentin, Emma, Tristan and all the rest of Hedwig Lemmer’s family, I wish my deepest sympathies to your loss. Mama, Oma and Heddy had a very generous spirit and will be so sorely missed by everyone whose lives she touched. Hedwig Lemmer will live on in our hearts and with such fond memories of her forever.
With heartfelt sympathies,
Barbara Neu
