Erika Ella Gruebe (Jahnke)

Erika was born in Germany on January 5, 1936. She immigrated to Canada with her husband, Arnold, in 1958, not knowing a word of English. Erika passed away at her home on February 7, 2026.

Erika and Arnold, along with Arnold’s mother, father and brother, settled on the fifth concession of Uxbridge township. Through extremely hard work, they cleared their land and began a market gardening business. They worked all year, preparing the land, planting, weeding, harvesting, storing and distributing vegetables. They sold their vegetables to many local grocery stores, including the Uxbridge IGA. After retiring they sold the bulk of their land and settled into their home with a family-size garden. Erika was a cat lover. Almost every stray cat in the neighbourhood knew where they could find food, love and a home if needed.

Erika was always a strong, busy, independent person. Right up into her 90th year she could be seen cutting her grass, shovelling her drive and taking care of her many plants, flowers and cats.

Erika was predeceased by her husband, Arnold, and is survived by her niece, Birgit, in Germany.  Erika was a good friend and neighbour. She will be missed. Rest in peace.

A graveside service will be held at Uxbridge Cemetery at 11am on Thursday, February 26, 2026. For online condolences, please visit www.lowandlow.ca. If you wish to make a donation in Erika’s name, please consider the Uxbridge Hospital Foundation or the Uxbridge/Scugog Animal Shelter or a charity of your choice. For online condolences, please visit www.lowandlow.ca