Obituary of Maria Sonnenberg

January 21, 1938 – Winzentowo, Poland

November 25, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

Maria Sonnenberg, of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at the age of 85 years.

Maria was born in Winzentowo, Poland on January 21, 1938. The oldest of five children to Lydia and Gustav Riemann. The family immigrated to Canada in March of 1953, landing in St. John, NB, and settling in Coaldale, AB.

Maria married her love, Alexander on August 5, 1955. They were married 37 years and blessed with two children.

She was a passionate quilter, enjoyed needle point, ceramics, gardening, and shopping. She travelled enthusiastically to China, multiple times to Germany, and cruised to Alaska, Caribbean, and USA Virgin Islands. With family, Maria travelled to Maui, Florida, and Arizona on numerous occasions, and loved camping in British Columbia, and later spending time at the cabin.

Maria’s family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Taylor and the staff of the Inverness Alzheimer’s Unit at Revera McKenzie Towne for their compassionate care over the past six years.

Maria is survived by her daughter Elisabeth (James) Stinson, granddaughter Rachael Marie (Nathan) Finseth. Maria is also survived by her two brothers Adolf (Donna), and Werner (Barb); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Maria is now reunited with beloved husband Alexander, beloved son Richard, parents Lydia and Gustav, brothers Walter, and Gerfried, and her cat companion Mooshy.

Because of the great joy Maria’s cat Mooshy brought to her and those in the Memory Care Unit, if friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Cats Home Foundation (PO Box 506, Water Valley, AB, T0M 2E0) send an interact E-Transfer helpcats@catshome.org. or www.catshome.org/donate.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, December 8, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.  Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

Graveside Service will be held at Coaldale Community Cemetery (Coaldale, Alberta) on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.

Rest peacefully Mom. Hug Dad, Rick, Grandma and Grandpa for us.

In living memory of Maria Sonnenberg, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.