Obituary of Magdalena Reger

Magdalena Reger, formerly Allendorfer, completed her long, hard and amazing journey home to Gott im Himmel (God in Heaven) on December 9, 2020. There, her heart becomes full again, joining her devoted husband Konrad and dear first born Konrad Joseph, along with her elder sister Mary, brother Joseph (Sepp), and parents Franceska and Nicholas, and her nephews Hans, Mark and Mike. M-MOM A-APPRECIATIVE G-GIVING D-DEVOTED A-ACCURATE L-LOVING E-ELOQUENT N-NICE A-ANGEL IN HEAVEN We are thankful she has entered into eternal rest and is finally at peace after an arduous, long journey. Magdalena was born in Yugoslavia and, like many passed and more departing this Earth every day, endured the hardships of World War II. Magdalena, along with her sister Mary, were taken to Russian labour camp due to their Germanic surname and the tensions of World War II. There, through five years of struggle, pain and desolation, she relied on her faith and eventually met Konrad there, the love of her life. Together they immigrated to Canada in search of a better life for them as well as their future children. Their first born, Konrad Joseph was born in Leamington, Ontario, followed by Herlinde Anne (Linda) in Windsor, Ontario. Together, Magdalena and Konrad worked very hard and appreciated all they earned and accomplished. While Konrad served as the carpenter and builder of their house, Magdalena was as versatile as her name. Known as Lenka, Helen, Magda, Mom and Oma, Magdalena kept a steady guide of her household, serving as expert cook, nurse, cleaner , gardener and crossword specialist (“her puzzles”) amongst other roles. Faith and community was very important to Magdalena, as she was a devoted member of St Michael’s German Catholic Church and the Catholic Women’s League for many years. There she formed numerous bonds with other transplants from Germanic Europe and World War II, trading tips on baking cookies and tortes, gathering for card games and serving wonderful meals at church functions. Left to mourn her passing is Annie, her devoted youngest sister who helped her cope when our family lost Konrad (Opa) in 2005 and was a fun and carefree voice-of-reason for Oma in so many ways. Magdalena leaves behind her beloved daughter Linda Arnold, who lives with her beloved son-in-law Kevin in West Virginia, U.S.A., and treasured daughter-in-law Nancy Reger, widow of Konrad Joseph, in Penticton, B.C. Magdalena was a wonderful Oma to grandchildren Val (Nikki), Krysta (Greg), Jess (Dan), Tanya (Jon), Karla, Katrina (Eric), on Konrad Joseph’s side, and she was an inquisitive, caring Oma to Linda’s son Eric, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (a type of Muscular Dystrophy) who had the cleanest wheelchair and floors thanks to Oma. The stories of Oma will live on through her great-grandchildren to Darian, Kieran, Kendra, Cody, Ashley, Braydon, Lynnea, Konrad, Kira, Aurora, McKenna, Delaney and great-great-Oma to Teagan. Magdalena’s passing also leaves a void to her sister Mary Mehr’s children, now adults, who cared for and loved Oma. We send a special “Lenka Tante” to our Mehr, Malthaner, Martz, Schmidt and Faria families and their loved ones. Oh, the wonderful days you all had with Lenka Tante and Onkel Konrad on their patio, even with pigeons! Magdalena also leaves behind her Sister-in -Law Erika Allendorfer, widow to brother Joseph, in Leimen, Germany and cousin Elfriede and the Korol family in Neckarsteinach, Germany. We send an indebted and deep thanks to Richmond Terrace and their staff who gently and kindly cared for Mom daily. They served as Linda’s hands and hugs when she could not be there physically. We appreciate that Linda and Kevin were able to Face Time with Mom on her 97th birthday on October 29th this year. We want to also send a special thank-you to Jill and Nicole for diligently keeping us informed regarding Mom. Speaking as a daughter, Mom was a talented, wonderful woman! Best cook ever and extraordinary gardener! I will miss her dearly but I am so thankful for what she taught me about life and the strength she passed on to me. Rest in Peace Mom, until we meet again! Due to travel issues and health concerns relating to COVID-19, we will meet at a safer time to honor Magdalena’s life and share stories and memories. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cure Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Eric Arnold’s honor (http://events.curesma.org/donate) or the Canadian Heart Association (https://hsf.donorportal.ca/Donation/Donation.aspx). Arrangements entrusted to WINDSOR CHAPEL (Central Chapel) 1700 Tecumseh Road E, 519-253-7234.