It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Balbina (Bini) Mersch on May 24, 2024. Wife of Franz (Deceased). Daughter of Franziskus and Johann Schneider, and sister to Marie, Fanni, Resi, Wally, Hans, Adi, Jakob and Erhardt. Loving mother to Frank (Cheryl Polan), Werner (Gina – deceased) and Wolfgang (Wai). Oma to Liesl (James), Stefan (Alyssa), Sebastian (Michael), Nicholas (Alanna), Erica (Steve), Michaela (Oscar), Mitchell (Tammy), Kira and Marcus, and Great Oma to Xavier, Ethan, Tessa, Tyler, Campbell, Owen and Max.

Bini was born in Boehming, Germany, in 1930 and immigrated with her husband Franz to Toronto in 1954. The early years were difficult as a young immigrant family and they struggled to make ends meet, but eventually Franz landed a job as a mechanic at Volkswagen Canada and they slowly started to enjoy their new home. Bini’s three boys were her pride and joy. She loved to walk in the many parks in Toronto with her family. Franz and Bini purchased a cottage near Parry Sound in 1964. This is where Bini was truly at home. From picking berries (with bears sometimes), to swimming with snapping turtles, a swim to the first point, playing the famed mensch arger dich nicht, teaching her grandchildren how to catch frogs, doing puzzles, dressing Barbies with her grandchildren, and having kaffee klatches in the sauna…life was good. She taught scores of newcomers at the cottage to waterski. She coined the phrase … Arms straight, knees bent…ok, Franz go! and off the boat went to the delight of the new skier. We all enjoyed her German cooking and it was a wonderful occasion when she made her famous rouladen, with dumplings, purple cabbage and then a dessert of delicious strawberry cake!

After her beloved husband died, she immersed herself in the Church and was very involved in the Catholic Women’s League, helping out at church functions, volunteering at Belvedere Heights and enjoying coffee with her many friends at the Catholic Women’s League.

What we will miss most about Bini will be how she lived her life. With a warm smile, compassion, never a harsh word and a belief that there is good in everything and everyone. Sometimes you have to work a little harder to find it but it’s there. It held true throughout her life and even in dementia she was the same Bini — a smile, a warm touch and an invitation to help in any way she could. Bini will always be remembered as a kind, gentle soul who spread love to all around her. Death always has a measure of sadness but a woman who leaves a legacy never truly dies because her spirit, her words and her deeds are etched in everyone’s hearts.

We would like to thank all the caregivers at West Parry Sound Health Center, Belvedere Heights, and Glynnwood in Toronto for their loving care of this beautiful soul.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 52 Church Street, Parry Sound on Friday, July 26th at 10:00 A.M., with a celebration of life to follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall (next door) from 11:00 -1:00 P.M. As an expression of sympathy, the family asks for donations to the West Parry Sound Health Center.