Augustina Marcijona Zauerhagenas

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved matriarch, Augustina Zauerhagenas. Augustina passed away surrounded by the love of her family on October 14, 2024, in her 99th year. She was born in Pievenuose, Lithuania to parents Hugo and Augusta on February 17, 1925, and was the beloved sister of Marie, Wanda, Emma, and Hugo.

Augustina and her husband, Vilius (predeceased) made the long trip to Pier 21 in Halifax on the MV Beaverbrae with her in-laws and son, John, with hopes and dreams of a better future, ending in Toronto in late 1949. Her daughter Mary soon joined the family.

Her first job in Canada was as a seamstress at Tip Top Tailors which she very much enjoyed. Later in her career she proudly made the ceremonial “red” RCMP uniforms as she so often recounted. She also spent a long portion of her career working with Acme Screw & Gear in Weston.

The beginning of her life here in Canada was difficult, having dedicated all of her time to her family and her career, and unfortunately, in 1972, her beloved husband Vilius passed away. In 1973 she met Johannes Stams who was her companion until his passing in 2003. The later years of her life were spent enjoying her retirement, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Augustina and her husband were founding members of the congregation at St. George’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Toronto.

Augustina will be greatly missed by her children John (Bonnie Hayes) and Mary (Manfred Dorn) . She was a beloved Oma to Kurt (Natalie), Lisa (Mark) and Torben (Sara). She was also the doting great Oma to Kaylan, Keaton, Leah, Delanie, Scarlett, Solane, Maeve,Tobias and Mathis.

The Zauerhagenas family would like to thank the staff at Malton Village Long Term Care for the tender care our mother, Oma, and great Oma received over the three years she spent there.

Donations may be made in Augustina’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

 Click here to donate to the Heart & Stroke Foundation