It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister. Maria was born in the village of Russbach in the German-speaking enclave of Gottschee in Yugoslavia, in what is now Slovenia. She was the third child of Aloisia and Johann Krische but with her older siblings dying as infants, she became the eldest of four siblings. Johann was a successful businessman and the family’s life was simple and centered around their deep Catholic faith. Maria loved the outdoors, the wild flowers in the region and the animals they kept, especially her favorite horse.
The family’s life was turned upside down after the war began and they were forced to leave their home and idyllic life. Displaced and moving several times, the family immigrated to Canada in 1950 and settled in Vancouver. Maria worked during the day to support the family and took English classes at night, and soon became a hairstylist. Always the go-getter, she worked hard, saved and bought a house. In 1965 Maria met her husband, Edmund Hensel, by chance at a dance at the Alpen Club, and with shared values of faith, honesty and perseverance, they began the next chapter of their lives. Their 55-year marriage was joyous and cohesive, with never a disagreement between them. They created a loving home focused on family and faith and continued to work hard and pursue commercial interests.
Giving back and helping others was engrained in Maria and Edmund, and they gave their time, talent and treasurers to many organizations. Her kindness, inner strength, determination and integrity garnered the respect of all who knew her. Her children were her life and soon grandchildren became her blessing. In her later years, she loved spending time with her grandchildren, baking with them, instilling values through storytelling and found joy watching them learn and grow. Like her father was to her, she was the pillar of our family.
She passed peacefully, surrounded in love and with her family the late evening of Palm Sunday. She is survived by her loving husband, Edmund; children Bernhard (Grace), Irene (Garnet) and Robert (May); and eight grandchildren: Robyn, Lauren, Conrad, Amber, Thomas, Theresa, Marcus and Emilia; and sisters Erna and Rosa.
Funeral mass will be celebrated at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish (1430 West 38th Avenue, Vancouver) at 10:00 am Thursday April 21st followed by entombment at Gardens of Gethsemani. Reception will follow.
Live streaming of the Funeral mass can be viewed at www.legacystreaming.com/kearney/
Her family asks that in lieu of flowers, that a donation be made in her name to Covenant House Vancouver.