Renate Rita Harmel

SepSeptember 2^nd, 1938 • JulJuly 1^st, 2026

Val-des-Monts, Quebec

Renate Rita Harmel

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Obituary

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Renate, who was born on September 2, 1938 and passed away on July 1, 2026 in Gatineau, Quebec.

At the end of her life, Renate suffered from multiple melanoma (bone cancer) and Alzheimer's. In spite of her illnesses, she never lost her love for Jehovah and her hope in the resurrection. She has often said the first thing she wants to do is kick Lothar for leaving her as she missed him a lot, having been married to the love of her life for 62 years.

Renate will be remembered for her love of animals, her resolute, unwavering, stubborn determination, and her protectiveness. She was always friendly, smiling to everyone, and could be quite the charmer.

She was known to be a very hard worker. She loved gardening, and preferred working outside or in the barn, rather than do indoor chores. She made it a priority to take really good care of Lothar who was sick for numerous years.

She was a natural when it came to healing. And was known for taking in sick animals. When people found an injured animal or a featherless baby bird that got kicked out of the nest, they were all brought to Renate. She would nurse them back to health. Seeing heat lamps in her kitchen, mashed eggs and worms with eyedroppers, funnels, and bottles was common. She leaves behind a little dog, who she always carried around, named Purzel.

She was also known for her german cooking and baking. Her plum cake will be missed.

She is survived by her 4 children: Carmen, Manuela, Peter (Caroline), and Mark (Dani); 8 grandchildren: Melanie, Benjamin, Travis, Brandon, Trevor, Samantha, Colby, and Owyn; 7 great grandchildren: Rylee, Charley, Bentley, Addison, Blake, Breylyn, and Beckham; and a sister Helga.

Renate will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Funeral

Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Time: 2 pm
Location: 308 Lake St. Grimsby, Ontario, L3M 1Z5

Zoom Meeting ID: 838 2567 2961
Password: 191412

Number to join by phone: 1-647-558-0588

Timeline

1938

September

Born

The 4th born child of 5.

Berlin, Germany

1939

September

World War 2

The war began a day before she turned 1, and ended the day she turned 8, on September 2, 1945..

Germany

1954

Met Lothar Harmel

Renate had just broken up with a boy and was moping on the beach in a bathing suit. During this time, Lothar was on shore leave with his friend, and they each had a rowboat. They both saw Renate on the shore and thought she looked beautiful and wanted to go ask her for a date. Lothar had reached the shore first so he was the one that got to ask her. Renate told him he's not her type, she likes dark hair men, not blond. Maybe her sister would like him. So Lothar trying to get the date, asked: "Would you date me if I got you a monkey from Africa, and she said yes. And he did bring her a monkey from Africa, and they went on a date. So, technically, our family came about because of a monkey, lol.

1956

Started searching for God's people

She knew God always had a people and she wanted to find out who they were. She went investigating different religions. To weed through them, the question she would ask is "What did you do in the war?" She didn't have any bible knowlege but she felt that God's people would not go to war.

1958

January

Started studying with Jehovah's Witnesses

At this point, she was fed up with religion. She only agreed to talk to the witnesses to show them they were wrong. But the lady she talked to only answered her by showing her the answer from the bible, and had Oma read it. Then Oma would ask another question, and the same thing. So Oma said, "How am I going to argue with this"? And the lady told her that one day her child (since she was pregnant) might never have to die. It sounded crazy and far-fetched, but Oma thought if there's any shred of truth to this, who am I to deny this for my child? And she decided to at least look into it.

1958

August

1st child born: Carmen Harmel

1959

May

Lothar and Renate got married.

They had to wait till they were 21 to get married. As Carmen was already born, Lothar had to legally adopt her after they were married.

1960

August

2nd child born: Manuela Harmel

Renate was known for dressing both girls (Carmen and Ela) like twins. She bought 2 of everything.

1962

Was baptized

1966

Came to Canada from Germany

Waterloo

1970

April

3rd child born: Peter Harmel

Waterloo

1972

4th child born: Mark Harmel

Waterloo

1978

Rented a house in St. Catharines

1979

Moved to the farm in Vineland, Ontario

1980

Got the name "Oma"

became a grandmother

2010

April

Became a great grandmother

Random story. The day Renate met her first great-granddaughter Rylee. Rylee was dressed in a cute little outfit. Renate only saw how this would be uncomfortable for a baby, and wanted Rylee to be changed into something more comfortable. Comfort before fashion.

2015

Moved to Smithville, Ontario

2021

March 15^th

Lost her husband in death

Lothar Harmel died.

2021

August

Moved to Val-des-Monts, Quebec

To live with her daughter Carmen. Her grand daughter Melanie, and great-granddaughter Rylee lived in the basement of the same house.

2022

August 5^th

Moved to a lakehouse

Oma didn't have a bedroom in Carmen's house, so she moved with Carmen to a new house which suited her needs, and where she had her own room. Peter and Caroline moved into the same house, and Melanie and Rylee as well. So Oma had surrounded by family.

Val-des-Monts, Quebec

2026

July 1^st

Passed away

Gatineau hospital

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Post a message or share your memories and photos.

July 14, 2026

I loved Oma and Opa so much💝 I always felt loved and welcomed in their home and was comfortable popping in whenever I was in the area. They always treated me like family and had me helping with some chores🤗 She was such an amazing cook and the only potato salad I like is her recipe with grated pickles. Her plum cake was amazing 🤤 So many wonderful memories going to their house on the farm including putting on a dance party with Melanie in their basement in our early 20s💃🏼🕺🏼 I can't wait to see them both together again looking vibrant and full of health and hopefully one day she'll be able to get that monkey and be able to keep it 🐒💖💞

Corina

July 13, 2026

Renate will be very much missed by everyone who knew her. We knew she loved being with her spiritual family at the Kingdom Hall, because her genuine warm smile said it all. During the Covid Pandemic we could always count on her presence on Zoom, sharing encouraging comments. We enjoyed hearing Renate relate her many life experiences and adventures, and felt her profound sorrow over the loss of her beloved husband. Throughout it all she maintained her inner joy and grace, and demonstrated that she allowed Jehovah’s spirit to comfort and guide her. It was a privilege to share a short while with Renate, but what an immeasurable blessing it will be to share eternity in the new world.

Gary and Christa Leaden

July 13, 2026

Thank you so much for sharing these precious photos and history of Ranate. I knew she was a very loving person but now I can see she had a sense of humor, compassion for humans and animals. I can see she was adventurous and courageous too! I look forward to seeing her in the future paradise. And it will be wonderful to see her back with her hubby.
One day soon death will be a thing of the past.
Until then Renate will be missed.

Jennette Cardy

July 13, 2026

She left us like the last pedal falling off a beautiful flower. Gravity took the pedal gracefully down. And with the lightest touch.. she broke the surface tension of a garden pond. A most fitting place for her to rest. As we watched her touch down all who loved her will enjoy the echoing ripple effect in the pond. In those waves we will recall fond momments of her. Memories of a beautiful flower. The ripples will continue because of our tears from the sadness but also joy of what the future holds. Still, we never fear the water becomes still.. knowing with confidence Jehovah holds her now.

Glen lall