Erika Winiker
elevated dlM07 December 4, 1940 ~ May 27, 2024
elevated dlM07 Visitation
Thursday, June 6, 2024 from 5 – 7 p.m. & Friday, June 7, 2024 at 10:45 -11:45 a.m.
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated dlM07 Funeral Mass
Friday, June 7, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.
Chapel of St. Joseph at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated dlM07 Click here to watch the mass
elevated dlM07 Interment
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
8361 Yonge Street, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 2C7
elevated dlM07 Section 40
elevated dlM07 Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Erika Winiker on May 27, 2024, at the age of 83. Erika was a wonderful wife, mother, sister and grandmother. She raised a family in Canada with her devoted husband of 61 years, Thomas. Her beloved children: Thomas (Ginny), Christine (Raul), Michael (deceased) (Sabena); her seven grandchildren: Emily, Elizabeth, Eric, Leo, Mikey, Lukas and Thomas; and her sister Erna in Switzerland will remember her legacy. Erika was predeceased by her older brother, Kurt, and her twin brother, Ernie.
elevated dlM07 Erika was born in Schönenwerd,Switzerland in 1940. With courage and determination, she headed to Canada at the age of 19 to become an Au Pair. In Toronto, she honed her homemaking skills—and her English—and met the love of her life, Thomas Winiker, at a Swiss Club event in Grand Valley. After their Canadian courtship, they returned to Switzerland for their wedding and honeymoon. They settled in North York and, over the next 61 years, developed many successful businesses. Thomas was the dreamer and Erika managed the day-to-day operations and kept the businesses on track.
elevated dlM07 Erika was proud of her Swiss heritage. Like a picturesque Swiss chalet, her homes and cottages had meticulous gardens and her window boxes overflowed with beautiful flowers. Erika loved gardening and was the proud recipient of the Gravenhurst Daisy Award, which recognizes residents who produce beautiful front yard gardens. She will be remembered for her delicious Swiss cooking, which family and friends enjoyed during weekend visits. Friday “Fondue Night” and Sunday morning breakfasts with hand-braided Zopf are two Swiss traditions that will remind us of Erika.
elevated dlM07 Erika’s most cherished accomplishment was her family. Many of her best family memories were at the cottage in Buckhorn or Muskoka and in Vero Beach, Florida, where she loved to relax and host. At the heart of everything, Erika enjoyed spending time with the people who loved her, especially her husband Tom, to whom she was a dedicated caregiver. Erika and Thomas were inseparable and loved each other until the end. Erika will be missed by all, but has left a legacy of great memories, gardening tips, and a few of her Swiss recipes.
elevated dlM07 Please join us to say farewell to our beloved Mutti and Grandma Schatz
elevated dlM07 In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation https://www.heartandstroke.ca
elevated dlM07
Thank you for being such a big part of our lives. Thomas, Emily, Elizabeth and I will miss you. We will carry on the traditions you have taught us and celebrate the amazing life you lived. Love Ginny
Jack and I send our heartfelt condolences !
Dear Thomas and Family, Christine and family, and Sabena and family, we send our deepest sympathy. It was a pleasure to have known Mrs. Winiker. We will remember her lovely smile, her elegance and her quiet but authoritative voice. You are her legacy and you made her very proud. Cherish your memories and continue to share the many traditions.
Chuck and Lorraine Pickard. We will miss you soooo much. We had so many good times together.You were a super friend and neighbor. We will always remember the good times. Love you Lorraine and Chuck.
Our sincere condolences Thomas and Family . Your Mom lived an amazing life . Thank you for sharing her story – an incredible woman .
Sue and Tony
Erika, you will always be in my thoughts and prayers. It was a privilege knowing you. My condolences to the family. Jean Etzel
I’m so happy we met Erika a few weeks ago and had time to talk about her, the family, Michael and my Dad.
You’ll be in our hearts forever, dear Erika
Thomas & Peter from Switzerland
Michael, Sheena, and Janet Hoover and family
We were privileged to be Florida friends and neighbors for a number of years. Ericka you were loved by us all. What a joy to know you and witness your kindness and strength. You will be forever missed!
I was my honour to have known Erika and I am sad to see that she is not with us any more. I see her smile every, day since I have a family photo as a sceensaver on my computer. You where only afew month younger then me, though I will see soon.
Dearest Erika…. Harry & I first met you and Tom as Choir School parents 50+ years ago! We came to know you as a gracious lady of quiet strength who welcomed us as family. We are honoured to have known and loved her. I will remember our quiet chats on balconies, around the Florida pool or on Muskoka docks, while our hubbies solved the problems of the world! I deeply regret not having a last chat over the past few months..my loss.
To all the”kids” of whatever age, my deepest sympathy on your loss, but you will remember that you had, the most marvellous, generous, and loving Mom and Gramma… a gift like no other.
Our deepest condolences to the family. What an amazing person and what a remarkable life Erika had. We feel so lucky to have known her, and will remember all the special times we had with Erika and Tom. Miss her smiling face and will always have her in our prayers. Love, Craig, Jean and Bernice
To all the Winiker family
Your mom was a saint who went out of her way to help people. When my mother was very sick and unable to move about she would bring her Swiss meals to keep her spirits up.
Andre