MARIA DUECK

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MARIA DUECK Maria was lovingly gathered into the arms of her Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus Christ on December 29, 2008. She was predeceased by her parents and four siblings. Maria is survived by four siblings, who remain to treasure her memory along with in-laws, 25 nieces and nephews, and 65 grand-nieces and nephews, Maria was born on June 27, 1927 in Marienau, Germany. The family had to flee their home during the Second World War and Maria came to Canada in 1950. In Winnipeg, she worked as a nurse's aid and was later able to continue the nurses training that she had begun in Germany. She worked as a nurse at the Concordia Hospital for many years and then at the Grace Hospital for 25 years. Maria's home was often the meeting place for family gatherings. At Christmas time, she would randomly choose nieces and nephews to re-enact the Christmas story of Jesus' birth. She would hand out costumes, which she had sewn herself, and give instructions on what to do, and what to say. After the program we would all sing along to Christmas Carols while she accompanied on the piano. She created fond Christmas traditions and wonderful memories. No gathering would be complete without a duet on the piano. We can almost here her playing now.eins, zwei, dreieins, zwei, drei.. singing and playing joyfully. Maria loved to enjoy nature. She often took long bike rides in the summertime, and she would go cross country skiing on the Assiniboine River in the wintertime. She also enjoyed having get-togethers with family at the beach. She would stay until sunset so she could revel in the beauty and acknowledge God for his creation. Her own garden was meticulously maintained. An amazing wall of clematis flowers almost covered the entire side of her home. She recognized that all the beauty she saw in nature came from above. She never neglected to give credit to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for what she had. She also never missed an opportunity to share her love of Jesus with others. When she lived with her sister, Elisabeth, she preferred seclusion, but she would come out of isolation and felt her best when the sun was shining. Even in her frail state, she would still go out in the yard and carefully pinch off a dead flower or pull weeds from the garden. She also spent countless hours reading her well worn Bible. Maria later moved to Golden West Personal Care Home where she passed away with Elisabeth at her side. Thank you to the staff of the third floor for caring for her with love and compassion. Funeral service will be held Monday, January 5, at 11:00 a.m. at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main St. Viewing prior to the service. Interment to follow in Brookside Cemetery.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 03, 2009