Mrs. Maria Gescher

Maria passed away peacefully at the age of 93 at Concordia hospital on May 10th, 2022.

She will be lovingly remembered by her son John (Janette), daughter Susan (Gary); grandchildren Stefanie (Randon), Eric (Danielle), Ryan (Dina), Lauren (Codey); numerous nieces, nephews and extended family both here and abroad. Maria was predeceased by her beloved husband Ludger “Lutz” Gescher in 1992, after 35 years of marriage.

She was the last surviving member of her siblings, including three sisters; Walburga, Christine, Berta and a brother Andreas. Maria was born on August 15th, 1928 in Elsass, Ukraine near Odessa. She often reminisced about her fond memories of her family in spite of the hardships they encountered. Maria was a survivor of the Holodomor and World War II. In 1941 Maria left Ukraine for Germany and eventually settled near Nuremberg. While growing up in Ukraine and Germany Maria was able to learn different languages and worked as a translator during World War II, speaking German, Russian and Ukrainian.

In early 1956 Maria boarded a ship to cross the Atlantic for Canada . She later arrived in Winnipeg where she met the love of her life Ludger and they married in December of 1956.

They built a life together in Winnipeg with their two children John and Susan. Maria and Lutz enjoyed spending time at the German Club and the family were members of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church. Maria loved being outdoors especially at the family cabin in Spruce Sands. She enjoyed playing Rummy and usually won the game even though she always took the pile. Visiting with family and friends was important to Maria, she enjoyed traveling across Canada, the United States and to Europe to be with them. It was also her pleasure to host and entertain family and friends that came to visit. Her greatest joy was watching her children and grandchildren grow and succeed. Our Lives will forever be enriched and inspired by the resilient, lively and giving spirit of "Oma”.

We would like to express special thanks to the staff at Kildonan Personal Care Home and Concordia Hospital for the compassionate care they provided for Maria.

Maria has been interred at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens, next to her husband, at a private family service. A mass celebrating Maria will be held in Winnipeg at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Maria's memory to the Canadian Diabetes Association, Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice.