Maria Ediger died Jan. 7, 2008.

She was born Feb. 21, 1908 in Franztal, Russia.

Maria accepted the Lord as Saviour at 14, was baptized in a river, and later taught Sunday school.

On Dec. 8, 1935 she married widower Peter Ediger. In 1941, Peter was taken away to Siberia and never returned, and her step-son Heinrich died in the war.

In 1943, the family joined the trek to Poland, and then Germany, where they eventually left for Yarrow, B.C. in 1948.

Maria bought a small acreage and grew raspberries and other fruits and vegetables. She always provided for her family.

In 1996 she moved to Abbotsford. Maria's thankfulness to God and her family never wavered.

Predeceased by Peter; children Heinrich and Mariechen; she is mourned by children John (Hilda), Tina (Reinhardt) Wesner, Peter (Alice); 13 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren.