CHRISTA GERTRAUDE ESCHENWECKER (BECKER)

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CHRISTA GERTRAUDE ESCHENWECKER
(nee BECKER)
April 12, 1936 – June 30, 2021

In loving memory....

Christa Gertraude Eschenwecker passed away on June 30, 2021 at the age of 85, due to a stroke.
Christa is lovingly remembered for her qualities that defined her. Her love and commitment to her family, her strength of character, her sense of humour and her attitude towards life is what made her special.
Left to mourn her passing are her children, Ralph (Monica Ptak) Eschenwecker, Angela (Kendall) Heise; her grandchildren, Karina (Kyle) Winters, Darien (Sarah Kearns) Eschenwecker, Jessica Heise, Tyler Eschenwecker, Sarah Kanceruk; her great-grandchildren, Maddox and McKenna Winters.
Also left to mourn are her sisters, Renate (Heinz) Schroeder and Regina Taylor; as well as her three nephews.
Christa was predeceased by her husband Gerhard Max Eschenwecker; her parents, Willi and Dora Becker; parents-in-law, Max Paul and Maria Eschenwecker; sister-in-law Hilde Oehmig and brother-in-law Boris Oehmig.
Christa was born in Berlin, Germany, to a wealthy family that included a nanny and many other perks in life. As the Second World War began, years of destruction forever changed their lives. The Becker family business (restaurant, ballroom, beer garden and apartments) was heavily damaged. Only part of this business recovered enough to offer a moderate way of life.
Survival was difficult after the war. Christa and her family faced many challenges that shaped Christa into a woman of great perseverance and strength of character that served her throughout her life.
Christa loved to attend the Opera. She knew every storyline and character involved. Christa herself had an operatic voice, and in her mid-teens she was offered an opportunity to travel and perform with one of the Opera companies. Her parents however declined the offer. Her love for the opera continued her entire life which she shared with family. Many of us accompanied Christa to performances which included dinner beforehand and learning etiquette of these events.
Christa's learned trade and apprenticeship was in retail sales management and accounting. This included employment in a jewellery store and a men's apparel store.
In 1955, Christa met Gerhard Max Eschenwecker. Gerhard and Christa were married on May 30, 1957. In August, Christa and Gerhard immigrated to Canada to start a new life. With little money, one trunk of clothes and no knowledge of the English language, Christa and Gerhard built a successful life together.
Christa was a dedicated wife and mother. She loved her family deeply and did everything possible to make her children and grandchildren feel loved. Her five grandchildren recall fond memories that made each one of them feel loved, safe and cared for.
Christa loved the cottage at Lac Du Bonnet. She loved to swim. She also spent many hours tending to her large garden in order to provide meals throughout the winter. Evenings were often enjoyed with friends around a campfire.
Although Christa faced many challenges in life, she was grateful for the life she lived with a family she loved. Christa, Mom, Omi, you will always be loved and greatly missed. Thank you for the wonderful memories that you gave each one of us over the years.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 02, 2022