Obituary of Maria Giesbrecht

Maria Giesbrecht, aged 50 years, of Steinbach, MB., passed away following a lengthy battle with cancer on Friday, July 2, 2021, at about 10:40 a.m. at Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Steinbach, MB.

She is survived by her beloved husband Pedro (Peter) Giesbrecht, her mother Sarah Neufeld, her parents-in-law: Dave & Elisabeth Giesbrecht; her sisters: Helen, Sarah, Susan, Margaret, Nancy, Anna and Tina; and her brothers: Jacob, Henry, Herman, Peter, Isaac and Cornie. Maria will also be lovingly remembered by her sisters-in-law: Tina (Herman) Neufeld, Maria (Peter) Neufeld, Isamara (Isaac) Neufeld, Margaret (Jacob) Neufeld, Lori (Cornie) Neufeld, Tina (Jake) Giesbrecht and Marcella (Abe) Giesbrecht; her brothers-in-law: George (Sarah) Krahn, Jake (Justina) Klassen, Diedrich (Margaret) Klassen, Peter (Helen) Klassen, Dave Giesbrecht, John Giesbrecht, Jake Giesbrecht and Abe Giesbrecht.

She was predeceased by her father Herman Neufeld, a brother John, and a sister Justina.

History: Maria was born in Mexico, raised in Bolivia and resided in Canada after the age of 16. Maria was a born-again believer after hearing the Gospel preached when she was 18. Upon confession of her faith, she was baptized at the Portage La Prairie Gospel Hall. She later moved to Ontario where she worked as a nanny for a few years and attended the London Gospel Hall. A few years later she became a nurse’s aide. In 2004, she moved back to Portage La Prairie. She worked a few years at Lions Prairie in Portage La Prairie. 

Maria met Peter in January 2006. They were married on October 6, 2007. 

Maria enjoyed reading mystery novels and movies. She appreciated the many believers she met over the years.

Unfortunately, after two work injuries (in 2012) she had to stop working as a nurse’s aide. Maria enjoyed being at home. Over the years she had collected many books that she has since shared with family. She was very practical and was content with items she found for sale. The last few years she enjoyed cooking and trying new recipes. More recently she got into crafts and was starting to work on “junk” journals.

Maria had a strong personality and yet was able to be gracious enough to allow others to share their viewpoints. She had a big heart for people and animals alike. She was very attached to our first dog Koby. She loved family and her friends and was very thankful that many stayed in touch with her these last few months.

A come and go viewing will take place on Friday, July 9, 2021, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB. A second come and go viewing will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Wiebe's Funeral Home, Winkler, MB. 


Special thanks to: CancerCare Steinbach staff, Bethesda Regional Hospital staff, the many doctors, nurses, homecare aides, family, neighbors and friends.

If friends so desire in lieu of flowers donations in memory of Maria Giesbrecht may be made to Canadian Cancer Society.