Obituary of Nora B Sohre

"Ware, Nora B. (Bretschneider) Sohre, 79, of Lakeview Circle, died peacefully on April 4, 2008 at her home. Born in Chemnitz, Germany, April 18, 1928 she lived in Ware since 1975. Nora will be deeply missed by her husband of 58 years, Joachim "John" Sohre, her son Tom, and his wife Pat of Hampden. She leaves two grandchildren, Laura and Brendon, as well as a sister Ortrude and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Dieter. She will also be deeply missed by several wonderful and loving caregivers who, in the face of daunting difficulties, did so much to make her last years peaceful, happy and comfortable. Nora gave unconditional love to her family, as well as to caring for and raising her younger sister and brother during WWII and the subsequent Soviet occupation. She loved music (especially opera), laughed often, was a gourmet cook (especially plum cake and goose), raised border collies, was a first-rate pistol shot, could fly an airplane and pilot a boat. She was a great dancer, had the beauty of a model, could swear impressively, and enjoyed more than one glass of good wine. Throughout her life, even in the last stages of her illness, she is remembered as someone who was exceptionally sweet, smiled and laughed often, and always enjoyed good company. In her youth she was first in running as well as a pentathlon contestant. She knew how to love and care for her man, was a wonderful mother, worked very hard, and enjoyed life. Together with her husband John, she took part in several State Department sponsored trips to the USSR, China, Vietnam, and other countries as these began to develop routine contacts with the USA. She loved to visit the Quabbin and Mt. Sugarloaf, often climbing the towers. During her working life, she served as secretary and personal assistant at Sohre Turbomachinery in Ware. She was co-owner of the family owned company, and was essential in the creation of several turbomachinery publications authored by her husband, which are still standard references. A funeral service to honor Nora's life will be Thursday, April 10th at 2:00 p.m. at the Beers & Story Funeral Home, 1475 N. Main St. (Rte. 20), Palmer. Calling hours are from 12:00-2:00 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nora's memory to the Quaboag Valley VNA and Hospice, 42B Wright Street., Palmer, MA 01069. "