MARIA FINK (HERRMANN)

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MARIA FINK (nee HERRMANN) Peacefully on September 25, 2015, Maria Fink passed away at St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 89 years. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 67 years, Ernst; three sons, Ernest (Eva), Peter (Silva), Wolfgang (Josie) and her daughter Brigitte Madder (Lynwood); nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Maria was born on July 30, 1926, to Anna and Joseph Herrmann, the youngest of five children. She met her husband Ernst in 1945. After a musical courtship they were married in Pfedelbach, South-West Germany, and soon after celebrated the arrival of their three sons. In 1954 they immigrated to Canada, arriving in Winnipeg where they have happily made their home since. Not long after that, their family grew with the arrival of their daughter, Brigitte. Although she was a stay-at-home mom, Maria's time was filled with sewing for a seemingly endless list of clientele and family. Maria took her fashion design certification over three years in Germany prior to meeting our dad to become a skilled seamstress. She took great pride in "dressing" thousands of clients, family and friends over the many decades that she shared her masterful skills in fashion. Her attention to detail and fit was impeccable! It was quite common for her to take on the task of dressing an entire bridal party: bride, bridesmaids, mothers and flower girls. An outstanding undertaking given that she worked alone. Oma's sanctuary was her sewing room where she created and worked her magic. Maria shared her love of family and friends by joyfully and generously feeding them and sharing gifts of baking or flowers and, for the little ones, generous donations in their piggy banks. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and they greatly loved her in return. Throughout the years Maria loved travelling with Ernst. Whether returning to Germany, or British Columbia to visit with family, Maria loved to reminisce about her favourite vacation memories. Our family camping trips to Falcon Lake, Grand Beach, Yellowstone Park and Banff National Park were very special adventures that she relived many times, and memories that none of us will forget In recent years Mom enjoyed her many outings with our dad. Having dinners with friends and dancing late into the night were highlights for both of them. Her regular early morning visits to the Reh-fit Centre were as much about cultivating friendships as it was about fitness. Those connections were so very special to her, particularly the stimulating conversations. The love that she extended and received will continue to foster despite her departure. The family would like to extend our thanks and gratitude to the nursing staff of the 7th Floor at St. Boniface Hospital for their compassionate care of our mother in her final days. Cremation has taken place care of Wheeler's Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 9, 2015, at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue, at 2:00 p.m., with a reception to follow at Chapel Lawn Reception Centre. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Maria's memory to the Kinsmen Reh-fit Centre. Mom, you will live in our hearts. Rest In Peace.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 03, 2015