Peacefully on October 31 in 2022, at Alexandra Marine and General Hospital in Goderich, Maria Gerdes passed away in her 87th year.
Her late husband, Gerhard (Gerry) Gerdes, married her in Germany in 1958, giving them a wonderful 62 years of marriage. Together they raised their four children, Marianne McIsaac, Bernie (Louise) Gerdes, Fred (Annette) Gerdes, and Joe (Heather) Gerdes. She was a loving Oma to grandchildren Christina (Jared) Machan, Kyle (Emma) Gerdes, Branden Morden, Samantha Maxwell, Heather (Chris) Martin, Brittnee (Mike) Morden, Dan (Melissa) McIsaac, Jason (Kimberly) McIsaac, Shawna (Brad) VanOsch, Kendra Horton, and Michael Gerdes. As well as a loved Oma to seventeen beautiful great-grandchildren. Mary was cherished and will also be missed by many family members and friends in Germany.
Maria immigrated to Canada after the love of her life, Gerry, returned to Germany to bring her to a new home in 1958. From one small town to the next, Maria and Gerry made the leap across the pond to work with farmers in the Elmira area, then farmed in Princeton, and once their family was complete, later on moving to purchase their first home together in Goderich, Ontario fulfilling a dream of having a farm of their very own. Mary enjoyed reading and cooking for her family. She worked on the pig farm and enjoyed raising her four children. Maria was a very kind woman who could often be found deep in her reading. In her last years, Maria resided at Goderich Place Retirement Residence for five years, making it her home, where she enjoyed her friends, staff, and meals. Mary lived a long and full life of 86 years on this earth, but even so, she will still be greatly missed.
A Graveside service will be hald at Colborne Cemetery on Friday November 4, 2022 at 1 PM.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
William Cookson
To Jay McIsaac and Kim,
My condolences for your loss of your grandmother.
Sincerely,
-Will
Joanne Hickey
Marianne, Annette and families
My sincere sympathy on the passing of Mary. My thoughts are with you.
Joanne
Cecelia Denomme
Dear Gerdes family – You are in my special thoughts.
Gerry and Mary were special people to know and remember.
Sincerely – Cecelia Denomme
Jim and Patricia Martin
Dear family: We are sorry to learn about Mary’s death. When the Gerdes family moved to the Goderich area, we were very excited to meet them. Our kids became great friends and remain that way today. We have beautiful memories that we will cherish. We send our love and condolences at this sad time in your lives.
Joanne Stephen
Bernie Louise and the Gerdes family. Sorry to hear of your momโs passing. Thinking of you all.
Phyllis Scott
Our deepest sympathy and condolences at this time of the loss of your dear mother , grand mother and friend.
Treasure the memories .
Sincerely ,
Phyllis ,Mike Scott and families
Barbara Kimberley
I remember Aunt Mary always cooking something in her kitchen. Condolences to my cousins and their family.
Brian and Helen Van Osch
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gerdes family as you go through this difficult time!
Brian and Helen Van Osch
Candace Wilson
Condolences to the family. So sorry for your loss.
-Friend of Christina and Shawna
Joan Hartwick
So sorry for the loss of your mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Treasure the memories you have shared through the years, the last forever!
Sincerely, Joan and Wayne Hartwick
Connie Tasker
To Mary’s family I offer my sincere condolences in Mary’s passing. I got to know Mary after her and Gerry moved into Goderich Place and enjoyed the company of both of them. After Gerrys passing I got to know Mary a lot better and everytime I was there volunteering I got a hug and had a lovely chat with her. She missed Gerry so much and wiฤบ now be reunited and happy! I will miss your hugs and chats so much! Rest in peace in Gods beautiful garden!
Debbie Brown
I will always remember days that I came into work and was greeted by Mary. She would hold my hand and talk to me. I will miss seeing her smile and her laughter. Condolences to all the family.
Faith Blaney
My deepest sympathies to the Gerdes family. She was a lovely, woman. I have many happy memories of time spent at the farm, enjoying laughter, delicious meals and hard work, appreciative of how she and Gerry always made me feel welcome. I know she will be very missed by your family as well as my daughters.