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, Ben, Travis, Brandon, Trevor, Samantha, Colby, and Owyn; 7 great grandchildren: Rylee, Charley, Bentley, Addison, Blake, Breelyn, 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 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

Berlin, Germany

1954

Met Lothar Harmel

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

1960

August

2nd child born: Manuela Harmel

1962

Was baptized

1966

Came to Canada from Germany

Waterloo

1970

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

2015

Moved to Smithville, Ontario

I don't know the year, someone who knows please correct this.

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