Obituary of Maria Ehrmann

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Maria passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family at University Gates on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the age of 99. Her final days were spent holding the hands of family, listening to her favourite hymns, and being told by her loved ones how very much she was loved. Maria is now reunited with her beloved husband Michael, who predeceased her on December 6, 1980.

Maria was born on February 5, 1927, in Heidendorf, Transylvania, a daughter of the late Michael and Sofia (nee Dadrich) Schmidt. In 1944, she and her family fled their homeland, eventually ending up in Germany. In 1951, they immigrated to Listowel, Ontario, where Maria met her husband, Michael. She was always very grateful for the opportunity that Canada provided to her and her family to start a new life.  

Maria was a cherished and loving mother of her daughter Rosemarie and son-in-law Michael Shilling. Oma will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren David and Emma Shilling and Jonathan and Lisa Shilling, and by her much loved great-grandchildren Thomas, Julia, Jackson, and Everly. Maria will be greatly missed by her sister Kathe Kaufman, and by many nieces, nephews, and extended family in Canada, Germany, France, and New Zealand, all of whom were touched by her kindness and warmth. 

Predeceased by her siblings Johann Schmidt, Sofia Schneider (Johann), Miki Schmidt (Resi), Anni Deeg (Karl), brother-in-law Howard Kaufman, her nieces Ingrid Rutherford and Gerda VonMaur, and her nephew Hans Schneider.

Maria enjoyed listening to music, playing bridge, knitting, line dancing, and baking German delicacies, including her delicious Buttercream Torte. But above all, Maria enjoyed spending time with her family. She created many lasting memories with her family during annual trips to the cottage on Lake Nipissing.

Maria will forever be remembered for her gentle spirit, beautiful smile, and her devotion to her family. She lived a life of faith, love, and generosity. Her strong faith in her Lord and Saviour helped her to live each day with grace and hope, and served as a beautiful example to her family. She was a faithful member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Waterloo where she made many dear friends and actively participated in quilting and in the ladies group. Special thanks to Pastor Kuhl who regularly visited Maria and shared scripture and hymns with her in her later years.

We would like to thank the caring staff at the Chartwell Westmount Retirement Residence, where Maria lived for ten years, for their kindness and support. The family also wishes to express their gratitude to the wonderful staff of The Village at University Gates, Downey neighbourhood, where Maria spent the final four years of her life. The patience, kindness, and compassion they showed in caring for our dear Mom and Oma in her final chapter was a very special blessing and will never be forgotten.

Relatives and friends are invited to share memories of Maria during visitation at the Erb and Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, on Wednesday, August 26, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 78 John St W., Waterloo, on Thursday, August 27 at 11 a.m., with Rev. Joel Kuhl officiating. Interment to follow in Woodland Cemetery, Kitchener.

As expressions of sympathy and to honour Maria, donations to Redeemer Lutheran Church, Canadian Lutheran World Relief, or The Alzheimer Society would be appreciated. Donations may be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.

Maria touched many lives with her kindness and love during her 99 years. She will be deeply missed and will always have a very special place in our hearts. Rest in peace, dear Mom and Oma. We love you forever.