Maria Klippenstein

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MARIA KLIPPENSTEIN

Sept. 25, 1940-Dec. 17, 2019

Maria Klippenstein (Neufeld), age 79, of Calgary, AB, formerly of Steinbach, MB, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019.

Maria was born on Sept. 25, 1940. She passed away in her home in the presence of her loving husband John Klippenstein. She was predeceased by her parents Suzanna and Gerhard Neufeld and her sons Johnny and Ethan Klippenstein.

Maria will be lovingly remembered by her husband John of 61 years and her children David and Nadia Klippenstein (and children Luke, Sarah, Maximus, Kostya), Suzanne and Dale Fruson (and children Seth, Alyssa, Ashlee), Darren and Catherine McGregor (and children Simon and Sophia), Amanda and Scott McAfee (and children John, Hailey and Lacey), John and Ericka Gergely (and children Kahla, Nakia, Michael and Danica), Jonas (and children Victoria, Thomas, Benjamin and Elijah), and Aubrey Abbot Klippenstein, in addition to 24 great-grandchildren.

Maria was married to John Klippenstein (the love of her life) on June 28, 1958. Life was never boring with these two; they exposed their seven children to many adventures and experiences. Maria was an artist, photographer, amazing cook and homemaker. She loved to decorate her home to create an incredible background for entertaining and hospitality. She loved music, art and everything beautiful. She never took shortcuts or took the ‘easy way out’; she gave everything of herself from cooking to stomping her own grapes when making wine. Nothing was ever done in half measures. Her bread was homemade, the art on her walls was her own, and the produce on the table was home grown.

Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have all benefited greatly from the life she lived and the values of what living life to the fullest looked like. She was also stubborn, opinionated and extremely giving. She loved hard, fought hard and was never compromising. She loved God, her husband and her children. During the last days of her life, she was joyful, peaceful, grateful, spiritual and incredibly proud of her family. Just prior to her death, Maria published her book “FASPA”, a tribute to Mennonite cultural heritage, traditions and food. Preserving and upholding her Mennonite roots was a great passion of hers and was very dear to her heart. She was the recipient of the Sylvia Plath Foundation grant in regard to the authorship of this book which was also supported by the Mennonite Historical Society. The book features many of Maria’s original works of art, recipes and historical content.

Maria will be missed by her family and friends. We are all blessed to know that she is now in the arms of her Saviour and Lord.

Memorial service was held at Eden Brook Funeral Home (17th Avenue SW and Lower Springbank Road) in Calgary, AB on Monday, Dec. 23 at 2 p.m. with a graveside service following.

Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.edenbrookcemetery.ca.

Arrangements entrusted to Eden Brook Funeral Home and Reception Centre, 24223 Twp Rd 242, Calgary, AB, T3Z 3K2.

As published in The Carillon on Dec 31, 2019