April 2, 1920 - August 29, 2015
Maria was born in Nenningen, a small village north east of Munich in Germany. After she married her husband Leopold, they moved to Vienna, Austria. That is where her three children Barbara, Ursula and Jürgen were born. In 1957, the family emigrated to Canada and settled in Vancouver. Maria worked as a cook, eventually becoming the chef at the Avalon Hotel in North Vancouver. In January 1970, she and Leo moved to Gibsons, where they turned Danny’s Restaurant/Motel into the Cedars Inn and eventually opened one of the first neighbourhood pubs in BC, the Golden Barrel. In 1977, they sold the businesses and retired to Burnaby where they built their dream home – twice.
Maria loved music in many forms and had a lifelong affinity for classical music and opera. She sang rarely, but when she did, her voice had a unique clarity and vibrant tone in an effortless four-plus octave range. It was unforgettable.
“Mutti” endured many hardships and heartaches in her life. She lived through the Depression, WWII and the loss of her mother and brother in her youth. She always responded to her world with a gracious manner and outlook and a generous spirit towards all people she met throughout her life. She had an all-encompassing love for her family including her extended family in Germany and Austria. As a child and throughout her life, Mutti loved animals, especially her dogs. She loved them as unconditionally as they loved her in return. She lived a full life and was active until her last few days, which she spent pain free until she passed on peacefully.
Maria was predeceased by her husband, Leopold. She will be greatly missed by her three children: daughters Barbara and Ursula, and son, Jürgen (Carole); grandchildren Lisa (Gary), Jason, Sabrina (Alan) and Nicholas; great-grandchildren Jake, Dylan, Levi, Jordan and Katelyn. She also leaves behind many relatives in Germany and Austria.
No service by request. A memorial gathering will be held in October in Burnaby.