Elisabeth Margarete ‘Elma’ (von Luettichau) von Westerholt passed away peacefully at Strathcona Long Term Care in Mount Forest on April 1, 2025 in her 103rd year. She was predeceased by her husband Karl von Westerholt, Germany and her siblings Ottilie Menzel and Job-Hannibal von Luettichau. She will be missed by her sons Hubertus (Juliane) and Egon (Patricia), her daughter Margot, and her grandchildren, Anastasia, Maximilian (Allison), Alexander and Dominik.
Elma was born in Liegnitz, Germany on September 1, 1922 as the eldest of three children. She grew up on a farm in Silesia, Germany (now Poland), attended school in Ulbersdorf and Goldberg, and later pursued her dream of studying medicine in Breslau. Her journey was marked by hardship and resilience, having endured wartime displacements and medical service throughout WWII.
In Heidelberg, she completed her medical degree and trained further in Anesthesiology in England. She led the Anesthesiology department in Mannheim before marrying Karl in 1958 and having three children. After moving to Canada in 1976, Elma supported her family’s farm life and continued her strong ties to Germany.
Known for her strength, wisdom, and spirited guidance, she lived independently well into her later years. In 2002, at age 80, she built her own home in Harriston where she resided until early 2025.
The funeral service will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Wallace Township (6174 Line 88, Gowanstown) on Monday, April 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior.
Memorial donations to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Wallace Twp., or Palmerston & District Hospital Foundation would be appreciated and may be made through the Hardy-Lee Funeral Home, Harriston.
Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Hardy-Lee Funeral Home.
