Maria Teresa Haffner

February 7, 2018

Maria Teresa (Zimmerman) Haffner peacefully ended her journey on February 7, 2018. Maria's life began on February 22, 1931 in Frankenstein, Germany (Zabkowice, Poland). She was the youngest of 2 brothers, Rudy and Heinz, and 1 sister, Annalise who have all since passed. Maria is also predeased by her eldest and beloved son, Brian.

In the early 1950's, Maria moved to Calgary, Alberta where she met many lifelong friends and become "Mom" and "Ma" to 5 children.

Maria had a magnetic personality that, over the years, drew numerous people to her. She remained close to many whom she met during her first years in Canada. One of those she remained closest to, up until her last days, was her dear friend Connie.

Maria loved to cook, she could often be found entertaining friends and family over coffee (or something stronger) and one of her famous cakes. Her house was identifiable by the variety of delicious aromas emanating from the crackes in her door, a smell that will be missed by many.

Maria, Mom, Ma and Lady is survived by her children, Jacqui, Susan (Darren), Sonya and Rob (Marci); her grandchildren, Scott, Leah, David, Tony, Alex (Jason), Anica and Josh; her beloved sister-in-law, Helga; her "adopted" brother, Frank and Renate as well as her friends at Dreamview Village.

An open house will be held in Maria’s honor between 3 and 6 on Saturday, February 17 @ the Dreamview Village Clubhouse - 1000 Hawksbrow Point NW

In lieu of flowers please send donations to STARS air ambulance or the Calgary SPCA.

Messages of Condolence

Our deepest condolences Rob, Marci and other family members. Even though we only met your Mom a couple of times, that was enough to leave a lasting impression upon us. She was a lovely lady, full of energy, spunk, kindness, a positive attitude, and she proved to be a great story teller. I recall at one of your BBQ's how we sat beside Maria at different times throughout the day, and later on the drive home, we compared the wonderful stories she shared about her life, about you, Rob, and other family members. We instantly grew to love Maria by getting to know her just a little better that day. On that day, she added her own special "warm German potato salad" to the BBQ and it was the best we'd ever tasted! These are memories we will treasure about this wonderful woman. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers xoxo

- Darcy and Amy Willett

Nobody can understand how hard a separation is when one of our prized jewels leaves us. You search for stand cannot find it, she does not hear you, you waiting she is not coming. It remains the external memory in our hearts of a dear Mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family Rob, Marcia and Sue .

- Borden and Deb Gonder

It was pleasure being a part of your life. Thank you for including me and always making me feel like I was a part of your family. You will be missed.

- Joanne Fletcher

Hi Robbie. We leave tomorrow for our family pilgrimage to PV. We can’t be there for you for the Memorial but we wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts. Maria was always so kind to me, she was a wonderful person and my memories of her are so vivid and will last my lifetime. I am also reminded that she was a great friend to my grandmother for so many years and brought my grandma great joy during that time. Take care Robbie, hugs for you and Marci

- Doug

Kathy and I are very sorry to hear of your mum's passing. She was a kind and generous lady. She will be missed by all those who knew her. Our sincere condolence to you and your family.

- Ian and Kathy Boast

Maria was my best friend for over 50 years. I could talk to her about everything, the war, today, tommorow everything. I’ll miss her but she’s in a better place.

- Connie Giammarino

Rob and Marci, We will fondly remember Maria. She had such spirit! We are smiling just thinking of her spunk :) We will miss her dearly and are honored to have known her. Thinking of you both during this difficult time (and the rest of your family). Love you lots! XOXO Sincerely, Kim, Jeff, Liv and Echo

- Jeff, Kim, Olivia and Echo

Where Maria was, the sun was shining. She seemed to be always in a good mood. In addition, this was catching. I am so glad that I met her so often despite to the distance between our locations. Whenever she visited Germany, we met, when I was in Canada we met. It was always an enrichment. Remembering all this wonderful meetings, I will say the last farewell from abroad. All the best to the family with Rob, Marci, Sue, Darren, Joshua, Alexandra, Jason, Anica, Jacqui, Sonya, Leah, Tony and David. Don’t be too sad.

- Frank and Renate Blache

Liebe Susan und Familie, lieber Rob und liebe Marci! "Das Leben eines lieben Menschen ging zu Ende. Die Erinnerung aber bleibt. Sie tröstet in Trauer und Schmerz, spendet Hilfe und bringt Hoffnung!" Mit diesen Worten möchten wir Euch allen unser herzliches Beileid aussprechen. Wir wünschen Euch viel Kraft und Zuversicht für die kommende schwere Zeit, um den Verlust verarbeiten zu können und mit der Zeit das Loslassen zuzulassen. Wir wissen, dass es schwer ist, mit dem Verlust eines geliebten Menschen fertig zu werden. Aber die Mutti ist von ihrer langen, schweren Krankheit erlöst und sie konnte friedlich einschlafen. Ihr ward in der langen, schweren Zeit immer für sie da und dafür war sie Euch dankbar und das hat der Mutti auch den Frieden gegeben. Ich werde die manchmal sehr intensiven Telefonate mit Maria sehr vermissen, denn auch sie gab mir bei meiner Krebserkrankung Kraft und Zuversicht. Sie ist nun eventuell vereint mit ihren Geschwistern. Sie schauen alle auf uns herab und wir werde alle weiter in unserem Herzen tragen. Wir umarmen Euch in stillem Gedenken. Alles Liebe, Helga and all of the family and friends from Berlin

- Helga Zimmermann and Family and Friends

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