FALK - Maria. April 30, 1937 – Dec. 1, 2011. Maria, a wife, mother, Oma, sister and friend passed away peacefully into the presence of God on December 1, 2011 after a courageous battle with ALS. Maria is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Gerhard; son, Marvin (Natasha), 3 grandchildren, Taylor, Joshua and Nicole; 2 brothers, Isaac (Erna) and Gottfried; 2 sisters, Susie and Katherina (John Waassar). She was predeceased by her parents, David and Susanne Thiessen, her brother David and bother-in-law Hans Stobbe. Maria was born on April 30, 1937 in Einlage, Russia. At the age of 6, the family travelled by train to Germany where they lived in camps and villages for the next 7 years. From there, they immigrated to Uruguay where Maria accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour. At the age of 24, she married Gerhard Falk and resided in Friesland, Paraguay for the next 5 years. From there, Maria and her husband immigrated to the USA where their only son, Marvin was born. After a few years, Maria and her family immigrated to Canada, living in Vancouver for 12 years and settling in Abbotsford for the rest of her life. Maria was a loving wife, caring mother and Oma and a faithful servant of Jesus Christ whom she loved and trusted fully. She was an inspiration and blessing to those whose lives she touched. She lived life to the fullest and enjoyed traveling, walking, entertaining and having her grandchildren around. She had an amazing gift of hospitality and had a sincere interest in others. Maria was deeply loved and will be missed dearly… but we find comfort in the knowledge that we will see her again in heaven someday soon. Viewing will be held at King Road Church on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 9:00 ~ 9:30 am. A celebration of Maria’s life will follow at King Road M.B. Church at 11:30 am. (Graveside service at MacLure Cemetery at 10:00 am.)