Margarete Stiem

With all her strength Margarete Stiem has joined her beloved husband Egon on May 12 ,2018 at the age of 85. Margarete is survived and preciously loved by her three children Ronald (Barb), Barbara (Robert) and Patricia (Roman). She also leaves to mourn her wonderful grandchildren Jason (Suzie), Cassandra, Gregory (Brenlee), Steven, Lynn (James), Melanie, Sylvie (Greg), Rachael and Nicole (Chris) along with her seven great grandchildren. She will also be missed by her family in Germany and the USA and her many friends here in Canada. Margarete was born in Tolkemit, Germany on December 8, 1932, the family left Tokemit in 1944 when she was only 12 during W.W.2 and settled with her family in Quickborn.

Margarete was a dentists helper and also had worked in a Chocolate factory which is probably why she loved her treats so much. She met Egon at a dance in Quickborn and they married in 1952 with Ruth and Edgar by their side. They rented a two room converted garage till they immigrated to Canada, via ship called the Santa Rosa in 1956 with their two children.

Margaret was predeceased by her mother Agnes in 1975 and her father Johann in 1972. They did have the opportunity to come visit Canada for a couple months in 1966. Margarete was also predeceased by her brother Otto and sister Gela. Settling in Winnipeg, Margarete started her career at the Health Science Centre, Women's Centre on Notre Dame. She excelled at her job with the medical practice she received in Germany. Mom did not always agree with all of dads many purchases, but she did love her first home on Salter for some 50 years. Margarete retired at age 60 and spent her golden years travelling with Egon back to Germany, the USA and many trips to Mexico. She felt at home at her cottage at Beresford Lake always making sure supper was made in case we didn't come home with a dinner of fish. Many get togethers were hosted both at home and at the lake, accordion music and dance parties was always a favourite amongst their friends. Special visits from Hans, Hannalora, Egon and Heidi were also the highlight of their summers. Mom always made sure there was plenty to eat and drink. Margarete enjoyed her crossword puzzles, German magazines, crocheting dollies and tablecloths and most of all her hand knit slippers were given to everyone at Christmas. Mom kept us grounded and ensured the family stay together no matter what, with that we thank her for her strength enduring a year long illness. She managed to stay home as long as she could until her admission to Riverview. We would like to thank Margret her dear friend whom spent many nights with her, keeping her company at her apartment and at Riverview, Palliative Care volunteer Hilary whom listened to all her stories and got to know her, the home care workers especially Holly who gave her more time in between visits, to all the staff and doctors at the Riverview Palliative Care Unit, without you all this journey would have been so much harder.

Cremation has taken place. The Celebration of Life will take place Wednesday May 23, 2018, 10:00 am at Klassen Funeral Home,1897 Henderson Hwy. Mom, Oma, Gretal, you fought so hard to stay one more day, though we could not take your pain away. Friends and loved ones surround you now, no need to worry we will be okay.

Say hi to Dad and tell him please, how much we love and miss him too.