MARIA HOBBS

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MARIA HOBBS On March 20, 2003, after a lengthy stay in hospital, Maria Hobbs passed away peacefully with her husband and daughter at her bedside. Maria was born in Garland, MB, the eldest daughter of Michael and Anelia Toporowski. While still a toddler her parents moved to Pine River where Maria grew up and attended school. She completed grades nine and 10 at Ethelbert High School and then enrolled at Wesley College, Winnipeg, where she achieved a grade XII standing. Following this she spent a year in training as a nurse but chose to attend business college for her career as a bookkeeper. After graduation she spent a number of years in Toronto and Windsor working in this capacity. In 1944 she married Phillip S. (Peter) Hobbs who was a member of the R.C.M.P. His posting at the time was at Deloraine followed by Souris and Winnipeg. Cornerbrook, Newfoundland was their next move finalized by a posting to Ottawa. During this time they had two daughters, Sharon and Marion. Maria was a lover of nature - she enjoyed walks in the woods and gathering wild berries and mushrooms. Her creativity found expression in sewing at which she was very successful. She was in all ways a gentle, selfless spirit who cared for her family, they were her main consideration at all times and she was their bright shining star. Maria was predeceased by her daughter Marion (Steen) in 2001; her sister-in-law Dorothy Hobbs; brother-in-law John Nakonechny. Left to mourn her passing are her husband Phillip (Peter) daughter Sharon; son-in-law Patrick Steen; sister Joan (Nakonechny) sister and brother-in-law Carole and Al Romanyk, as well as many cousins and numerous friends. A sincere thank you to Dr. Pat Montgomery, C.N.C. Ed Payette and staff of 4 East at St. Boniface Hospital and to Springfield Home Care for the loving care they gave. Following cremation, interment at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to A.M.G. International, P.O. Box 59, Don Mills, ON M3C 2T6 in support of LEPI, Leprosy Victims in India.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 29, 2003