Aurelia "Aurie" W. Wilmering

Aurie Wilmering passed away Thursday evening at Holy Cross Care Center, three weeks after her 97th birthday.  She was born March 4, 1923, the fourth child and third daughter of the late Lottie and Stella (Duszynski) Wegner.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved son Robbie in 1964, her brother Sam Wegner and sisters Gertie Ziolkowski, Loretta Kadulski and Theresa Howard.  Left to mourn her passing are her daughter Mary Kay Grundy (Bill) of South Bend and their children Erin Grundy (Courtney) of Las Vegas, Nevada and Robert Grundy (fiancée Lexi Roth) of South Bend; son Richard Wilmering (Karen) of Livonia, Michigan and their children Ryan Wilmering (Amanda) of Indianapolis, Courtney Wilmering of Oklahoma and Katie Wilmering of Pittsburgh, and four great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Aurie was raised in a large and loving extended family and is the next to last survivor of 54 first cousins.  It was the strength that she derived from those family bonds and her undying faith that allowed her to endure and overcome overwhelming personal tragedies and hardships.  Despite those challenges, Aurie exhibited a remarkable joy for life throughout, maintaining her trademark sense of humor and quick wit.  Even as dementia robbed her of her faculties in her final years, that feature of her personality shone through, bringing happiness to all whom she encountered.

Aurie’s relationship with her sisters was precious to her and she missed their companionship after they were gone.  Among the cousins, there are countless stories of the aunts at gatherings at Christmas, Easter and the annual Father’s Day Family Picnic, where faith, love and laughter were the central themes.  An iconic story of the sisters was their trip to New York City for a great-niece’s wedding.  They returned with stories of how remarkably friendly and helpful NYC cab drivers are, how they laughed and shared stories of their home countries and their families.  Only the magnetism and enthusiasm of the sisters would prompt such openness and friendliness, belying the cabbies’ reputation.      

That same foundation of values and family enabled Aurie to courageously succeed as a single parent during the 1960s and 1970s, a time in which that was uncommon and more difficult.  She secured a job as a school secretary so that her schedule mirrored that of her school-aged children, enabling her to provide them with stability and support.  She took great pride in her work and loved her co-workers at Brown and Navarre Middle Schools.

Family was always paramount to Aurie and we can find some solace in knowing that she is now reunited with those whom she has missed so dearly for so many years.  For a woman who has borne far too many burdens, it is comforting to know that she is now at peace.  Aurie/mom/grandma, those of us who remain will miss you terribly.

Kaniewski’s Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements, but given the current health environment, visitation is limited to immediate family only.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Aurie’s memory may be made to Holy Cross Parish or the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be left at www.kaniewski.com

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