Obituary of Erika Feutlinske

Erika Feutlinske, (nee Maass), 83, of Ottawa, Ontario, passed away very peacefully on May 20 2026, surrounded by love and prayer. She will be very much missed by her children, Andrea, Ingrid, Robert
and Jennifer and their spouses as well as her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Born in Hamburg, Germany in 1943, Erika was the youngest of 12 children. She lost her father at just six weeks of age. Her mother, Helena Maass, valiantly raised 12 children alone in the difficult years of post war Germany.

Erika is predeceased by her much beloved husband, Karl Heinz (died 2010) after nearly 50 years of a strong marriage built on working hard together and genuine enjoyment of each other’s company. Erika and Karl came to Canada together in 1966 with their first two children, Andrea and Ingrid, ages 5 and 1 at the time. They came with just a few dollars in their pocket but didn’t waste any time obtaining work and building a good life for their family in their new country. Two more children were born to them in Canada, a son Robert and another daughter, Jennifer. As a mother, Erika was a loving presence in our home. She and Karl knew how to make special occasions cozy and fun. Advent and Christmas were especially important to our parents with traditions such as an Advent wreath, a real Christmas tree, a roast goose and the singing of Silent Night in English and German. She always cried when it was sung. We children were taken on many camping adventures to Sharbot Lake as well as picnics, berry picking, nature walks and of course, Upper Canada Village. When not going on outings, Erika and Karl worked as a team cooking, cleaning, gardening and maintaining their home. Erika worked for almost 30 years at Bell Northern Research (later named Nortel). She loved that job! Known as a diligent, loyal employee, Erika worked her way up to Lead Hand. Fellow workers were drawn to her cheerful nature and many good friends were made there. Whether at home or at work, Erika was known for friendliness and generosity to all. She enjoyed a good joke and had a great laugh! As time went on Erika was blessed with 13 grandchildren. She showered them with love, care, attention, gifts, special outings and much much food (no one left her house hungry!). She will ever remain the beloved “Oma” and be very much missed by her grandchildren: Erika Lynn and Kurtis: Tyler and Connor: Nadja, Ivan and Austin: Louise, Kristina, Rosemary, Peter, Michael and Bridget. Erika also is the great grandmother of 13.

Erika provided care for our father for over a decade after he suffered a series of strokes. She did so with love and devotion. Just one year after Karl passed away, Erika was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. She struggled courageously (and stubbornly!) to remain independent in her beloved home. Even as the Parkinson’s progressed she thought of others. She liked to keep a stash of five dollar bills to give as tips to anyone who made a delivery or looked like they needed lunch money.

Her last 2 years were spent at the Grove Nursing Home in Arnprior, close to two of her daughters. Even there she was known for her patient forbearance of her situation. During the final days of her life, many staff members came to say good bye and tell us how much they loved our mother.

A Graveside Service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026 at Pinecrest Cemetery. A Reception will follow. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkinson’s Canada.

And at the end of the day, Love alone is what remains.
Rest in peace , dear mother.