Passed away peacefully on Monday, November 4, 2024 at Trinity Village, Kitchener at the age of 94 years. Beloved wife of Leopold Gaessler for over 70 years. Loving mother of Leopold “Der Kleine” (the late Cynthia) Gaessler, Ernst (Joyce) Gaessler, the late Rita (in infancy), and Ella (Dennis) Dusome. Maria leaves behind an ever growing family of grandchildren, Graham (Bridget) Gaessler; Kelly Gaessler (Brian Kyle), Stephen Gaessler; Derek (Jenna) Dusome, and Christine (Kyle) Parsons; great-grandchildren Stephen, Devon, Lydia, Hope Gaessler; Benjamin, Alexander Kyle; and Lila Parsons. Survived by sister-in-law Lydia Weber. Predeceased by her parents Martin and Maria Schneider, brother Martin (Theresa) Schneider, and brothers and sisters-in-law Anna (Jacob) Nittel, Regina (Hugo) Schoon, Willi Weber. Maria was born in Gross-Schogen, Romania being the eldest of two children. She immigrated to Canada in 1950 with her mother and brother, where she met Leopold on the ship coming to Canada; Maria came to Kitchener, and Leopold went to Saskatchewan. Leopold came back to Kitchener after two years, and they were married soon after his return. They eventually built a house west of Conestogo and raised their three children. Maria and her mother tended a large vegetable garden, and enjoyed canning. Maria loved to sew, making clothes for herself and the family. After the children were gone, she made many beautiful quilts. Visiting Maria and Leopold always included coffee and cake. We cherish our many recipes as they remind us of the delicious meals we shared around their table. Summertime meant going to the Point Clark cottage, and the happy times enjoyed there. Maria was a longtime member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Conestogo, loved singing in the choir and being involved in the activities of the church. In 2004, Maria and Leopold moved to Valley View Apartments, St. Jacobs. Maria’s alzheimers showed up, and dad took excellent care of her until Maria was moved to Trinity Village LTC in 2022. A heartfelt thank you to Trinity Village for their kind and compassionate care of mom. Visitation will be held at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 131 Flax Mill Dr., Conestogo, on Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 1-1:45 p.m. with a funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. Interment will take place in the adjoining cemetery, followed by a reception in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church would be appreciated and may be made through the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira.
