MARIA REMPEL

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MARIA REMPEL June 8, 1906 - September 6, 2003 Goodbye my family, my life is now passed. I loved you all to the very last. Weep not for me, but courage take, love for each other, for my sake. And know those you love dont go away They walk beside you each and every day. I know how much you loved me, as much as I loved you. And each time you think of me I know you will miss me too. So when tomorrow starts without me, dont think that we are apart for every time you think of me, Ill be right here in your heart. Maria Rempel passed away after a brief illness on September 6, 2003 at the Concordia Hospital. Maria leaves to cherish her memory her beloved daughters, Annie and Asja; and sons-in-law, Hermann Keppler and Werner Dietze. Her four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild will all miss their Oma. Maria was predeceased by her father and mother, her first husband Gregory, her second husband David, her daughter Nadia, her son Alexander, and her grandson Tony. Maria was born Maria Schbanzikowa on June 8, 1906 in Penza Russia. Maria was the oldest of five children. Her father died on the battlefield and the surviving family endured many hardships. She married her first husband Gregory at the age of eighteen. In 1932 her first husband passed away. The following years were very hard for Maria and it was her great skill as a seamstress that brought the family a little money and barely enough food to eat. In 1935 Maria met her second husband David Rempel who was sent to Siberia from Osterwick in the Ukraine. In 1943 Maria and David arrived in Germany and once more faced war. In 1949 Maria and David came to Canada, first to Gretna, MB and later to Winnipeg. David passed away in 1997. With assistance from her children and grandchildren Maria was able to continue to live in her own home until the spring of 2003. On Easter Sunday Maria moved into her grandsons home where she spent her last summer doing many of her favourite things, watching the fireplace, reading, working in the yard and enjoying her own special view of the Red River. Maria was always active and despite of her failing eyesight Maria read her Russian Bible daily, wrote letters to her friends and relatives and participated in many household tasks. May you always walk in sunshine and Gods love around you flow, for all the happiness you gave us no one will ever know. It broke our hearts to lose you but you did not go alone, part of us went with you the day God called you home. As angels keep their watch up there please God just let her know that we down here will not forget, we love and miss her so. Lord if there are roses in heaven pick a bunch with care, place them in both her arms and tell her we still care. Maria was an avid supporter of the Winnipeg Humane Society at 5 Kent St. With grateful thanks, in lieu of flowers, donations in Marias memory may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 10 at Klassen Funeral Chapel, at 10:00 with viewing prior to the service. Klassen Funeral Chapel, 1897 Henderson Hwy., 338-0331.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 10, 2003