Annemarie Lermer

Annemarie Lermer passed away peacefully at her home on November 13, 2016 at age 94 surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on July 1, 1922 in Gleiwitz, Germany. She left Gleiwitz, together with her mother and four siblings in 1945 one hour before the Russian troops occupied the city. They fled to a friend in Tourigen, Germany where they resided for a short period of time. Being a devout Catholic and a freedom-loving individual, she escaped alone from East German in 1945 to West Germany. In a small town called Konigshofen, she found employment as a bookkeeper in a dairy establishment. Here she met a young medical student, Dr. Alexander Lermer, who would later become her husband. They got married in Munich, Germany on December 20, 1946 in the most beautiful Bavarian Baroque styled church called St Nepomuk. During the early years of their marriage, Annemarie lived apart from Alexander, who was continuing his medical studies in Munich. At that time, she was the sole provider for her family and husband. In 1949 on the 25th of February, her first child Sylvia was born. Later, she rejoined her husband in Munich upon his graduation from medical school, and in 1951 they made the decision of their lives to immigrate to the United States. They arrived together with their daughter on December 15, 1951 in New York harbor.

The United States was a great challenge for a young industrious mother. Their son Peter was born on Nov 13, 1953 in Buffalo New York. In time she successfully acclimated to life in the United States. At her present home, her creativity and love of nature express itself in all the beautiful flowers and trees she planted, creating a peaceful sanctuary in her own backyard. She always looked forward to spring, but she loved every season. She was an inventive dresser, making her own creations, which were admired by many people. Through her religion, she had a kind word for everyone and helped others as much as she could. She retained her originality, elegance, grace, and deep heart throughout her life. She has lived a full and an almost story-book life in this most wonderful land. Thank you America!

Annemarie was an exceptionally loving mother and grandmother and dearest wife and companion to her husband of 68 years. Her family meant everything to her. She is preceded in death by her husband Alexander, mother Sophie, and father, Richard Wawro. She is survived by her two children, Sylvia McCauley (Mike) and Peter Lermer, and three grandchildren who lovingly called her "Omi", Mr. and Mrs. Matthew McCauley (Belen), Michele McCauley, and Annemarie Lermer. In Germany she leaves behind sisters, Hedi Weber, Brigette Kaufman and brother Hubert Wawro (Christa) and several nieces and nephews. In March 2017, her great grandson is expected to be born. With tears of joy she celebrated the news but was saddened feeling that she would not get to meet him.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks for the loyal and loving help and care provided by Annemarie's compassionate caregivers: Margi Chance for her daily in-home unconditional love and support in caring for Annemarie. She truly was like a family member. Summa Hospice brought us the exceptional caregiving team of Annie Porchowsky, Rene Petrovich, Erica (RED) Hoiles, Nancy Smith, Renata Hill, Chad Storlie, Beth Trubachic and Ed Deighton. Their coordinated and collective efforts added so much enjoyment and extended health to Annemarie's life. The spiritual support from John Horvath brought us on a journey that has helped us to embrace life and the ever after. We have all grown though the camaraderie of this team of caregivers. Our lives have been immeasurably enriched.

Annemarie will be greatly missed by her family and friends, but memories of her will never be forgotten. Her beautiful gardens will forever come alive through the faithfulness of Mother Nature, as her flowers will come again to remind us of her.

Mass of a Christian Burial will be held at 12 noon FRIDAY, December 16th at St. Hilary Catholic Church, 2750 W. Market St., Fairlawn, OH 44333 with Fr. Steven Burnovsky officiating and where friends may call from 11am until service time. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Hilary Church or Summa Hospice. T (Billow Fairlawn, Chapel)