Annemarie Ria Luise Maerz Kress

Mama, Mom, Oma, Ria as she was called was a kind, modest, classy, elegant and beautiful woman. Family and friends always came first with Ria. She would willingly change her schedule to accommodate those she loved and cared about. Ria was quiet and introverted but once she felt comfortable she would become energized by the people and activities around her. Ria made friends easily, and loved getting together with her friends and family. Ria was a friendly person who truly cared about those around her.

Ria was born in Mannheim, Germany. She was the only child of Johann and Berta Maerz, and was daddy's little girl. Ria’s father passed away when she was a young girl and the picture that she cherished the most was of the two of them where her dad inscribed, “My one love”. Ria was a blessing for her parents, as her parents were in their forty's when she was born. Ria loved repeating the story that her mom told her, that “she came to be because her mom stopped wearing high heels!” She went to school in Germany and completed "Gymnasium" which is equivalent to high school. Her favourite courses were history /world events. Mom was very informed about the history of many countries and had dreamed of visiting many of the places she read about. The class she absolutely hated was Latin and recounted many times how strict her teacher was. When mom wasn't in school or working she went out with her best friends Dorla, Ruth and Gerda; they did everything together! Ria’s favourite hobbies were reading, knitting, crocheting, hiking and dancing.

On May 15, 1954 she married the love of her life, Gunther Kress. After a short honeymoon, Gunther left for Canada to begin a job and prepare for the arrival of his new wife, who was the love of his life; they were soul mates. Mom boarded an ocean liner and joined him in Edmonton, to start their new life together as a couple. During their time in Edmonton they were busy learning English, working and making friends. In April of 1956 Ria gave birth to her daughter Brigitte. Growing up was harmonious. You could feel the love between Ria, Gunther and their daughter. Ria was a homemaker, taking care of her husband and daughter; a job she loved and took pride in. Every Spring she worked part time in a hatchery. Ria's mom, Berta came to live with them in 1959. Mom and Dad had many friends. Weekends in Edmonton consisted of camping, playing cards, dancing or just visiting each other. Ria loved to swim, fish and water ski. Ria was a great water skier.

In 1968 the family moved to the Lower Mainland. We moved a few times before finally settling down in North Delta. Things were different in BC as my father worked hard to build up his painting business. They didn't’t entertain as much however still went out and enjoyed nature. They enjoyed going to Pender Harbour to fish and relax and went frequently with their friends Helen and Bud. Mom's close friends were Helen, Helga, Almuth, Lisa, and Judy. They frequently went out for lunch and regularly celebrated each other’s birthdays.

When Ria’s husband passed away she was devastated. After her husband passed away Ria worked as a waitress at Esopenco's and then as a cashier for Esso. She enjoyed working at Esso and talking to the customers. What kept her going was the birth of her first grandchild Rick, followed by her second grandchild Mark. Ria loved her grandsons and enjoyed attending all their games and school functions. She was thrilled to see her first grandchild get married to a wonderful young woman (Nada). She was awed by how they both “glowed” on their wedding day, just as she and Gunther did on their day. Ria couldn't’t believe it when her youngest grandchild joined the Navy and enjoyed watching him grow. Ria was very proud of her grandchildren and all of their accomplishments.

Ria loved to read, take care of her garden, knit and crochet. She loved clothes, jewelry and lipstick. Mom’s favourite flower was the rose. Her passion in life was to travel and buy shoes! Her favourite vacations included going to Las Vegas, Hawaii and Mexico with her husband and friends. Ria loved seeing sights that she had read about when she was younger. A favourite story she used to tell was of her adventure on the pyramids. She had no problem climbing up the pyramid but coming down was the most terrifying thing she ever did and she clung to Gunther the whole way down. Later she enjoyed going on an Alaskan Cruise with her friend Ruth (from Edmonton). Ria and her daughter had many fabulous vacations after the death of Gunther. They went to Reno, Germany, Las Vegas, Victoria to see the King Tut exhibit, and a Greek cruise which included visiting the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. Ria had wanted to see this mosque ever since she was twelve. The Mosque was the highlight of the cruise!

In the last weeks of her life Ria showed amazing courage and strength. Ria passed away peacefully on July 10, 2013 at Hilton Villa Care Home, Surrey BC of Alzheimer's. She is survived by her daughter Brigitte, son-in-law Greg, her grandchildren Rick and Mark and her daughter-in-law Nada. Services were held at Victory Memorial Park Funeral Centre. Ria was laid to rest in Victory Park Cemetery.

A thousand words could never say how loved you are. Ria will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

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KRESS, Annemarie (“Ria”) passed away peacefully by “her design” on July 10, 2013 at the Hilton Villa Care Centre at the age of 81. Ria is predeceased by her husband, Gunther, who was the love of her life of 26 years. She is survived by her loving daughter Brigitte and husband Greg; her grandsons, Rick (Nada) and Mark. Ria immigrated from Germany in 1955 with her new husband to start a new life in Edmonton. They enjoyed their life of family, camping and fishing. They moved to B.C. eventually to enjoy the mountains and the ocean.

Ria was a generous, kind and classy lady who would do anything to help out family and friends. She will be dearly missed. The family would like to thank the staff of Hilton Villa Care Centre and Fraser Health for all their support and care towards Ria.

A viewing will be held, Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at 12:00 pm followed by a Celebration of Life Service, Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at 2:00 pm at Victory Memorial Park Funeral Centre, 14831 28th Avenue, Surrey.