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MARIA THERESIA FRANZ
Born: Jun 12, 1932
Date of Passing: Mar 10, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryMARIA THERESIA FRANZ
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our dearly beloved mother, wife, grandmother and great-grandmother, Maria Theresia Franz, on Monday, March 10, 2025, at the age of 92. She passed peacefully, with family by her side, at the Concordia Hospital in Winnipeg.
Maria was predeceased by her parents, Wilhelm Gerstner and Martha Gerstner; brother William Gerstner, sister Marta Larson and first husband Frank Masek.
She leaves to mourn her husband of 49 years, Rudolf Franz, brother Anthony Gerstner (Elena), daughter Marilyn Goodman (Lloyd), sons, Richard Masek (Shirley), Frank Masek (Cathy), Clifford Maschek and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Maria was born in Mörsch, Germany and immigrated to Winnipeg with her family in 1951. She married Frank Masek soon after and had four children. Unfortunately, Frank became ill and passed in March of 1960 leaving her a widow with her oldest child being seven. It was a struggle but she was strong and provided for her children with the help of her parents and family. She worked cleaning homes for the extra income and then later at the German Club, Marlborough Hotel, Winnipeg Photo, City Bread, and Chapman Pharmacy.
It was at the German club that Maria met Rudolf and were married September 26, 1975. They had a good life together still going to the German Club with friends and also involved with Folklorama. Her favourite place outside the home was at Camp Neustadt where they had a seasonal spot and got together with their many friends for a great time.
Maria loved family above all else and strived to keep us all close. We had many gatherings including every Christmas when the house was filled with the ever-growing family. Her favourite place inside the home was the kitchen where she spent hours cooking and baking German recipes and taught us how to make them as well.
As the years passed Maria was having difficulty at home and it was time for a nursing home to help and she was admitted to the Park Manor Home in Transcona. Unfortunately, Covid happened just as she was admitted which was followed by lockdowns. It was apparent that it was taking a toll on her so her daughter Marilyn took Maria to her home where Marilyn’s care made the world of difference and she thrived for another four years.
Forever in our hearts.
The family would like to thank Dr. Ormiston and the staff in Urgent Care and N1 North at Concordia Hospital for the compassionate care they provided.
Mass will be held Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 355 Andrews St., Winnipeg, at 12:00 p.m. with a gathering in the hall after the mass.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 15, 2025
Condolences & Memories (1 entries)
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Sad to hear the passing of Mary. Hugs go out to everyone in the family. I met Mary through Shirley, my best friend. One time we were at Camp N & went to visit Mary & Rudy at their camper. I looked on the table & in a dish were these yellow & orange round looking things. I said to Mary, "What are those?" She said Tomatoes. I said really, because I only saw red ones. She gave me one & said you want some sugar on it? I go, sugar? She said, yes try it. Well, was it ever good. Everytime I see orange or yellow tomatoes, it will remind me of Mary. It's sad that she's gone but she is now in her new home called Heaven. No more health issues & teaching someone else up there how to make German food. Debbie - Posted by: Debbie Briese (Friend of family) on: Mar 15, 2025
