Obituary of Theresia Franke

July 28, 1928 - Aying, Bavaria, Germany

January 9, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Theresia Franke, beloved wife of Heinz Franke, of Calgary, Alberta, on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at the age of 95 years.

Theresia leaves behind her husband of 70 years, Heinz Franke, as well as her four daughters, Rita Wilder (Dan), Brenda McClinton (Kelly), Connie Anderson, and Peggy Franke. Also left to cherish her memory are her seven grandchildren, Ryan Gifford (Whitney), Devan Gifford (Rebeca), Lindsay Gifford-Jensen (Cam), Kyle McClinton (Amy), Kourtney Wapple (Clayton), Brett Anderson (Samantha), Sam Anderson (lan); and three great-grandchildren, Blakely, Rhettson, and Payton.

She is also survived by her siblings, Manfred Ammer and Brigitte Jaschke; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, all in Germany.

She is predeceased by her sisters, Hedwig Loeffler and Georgine Heinemann; and much-loved son-in-law, David Anderson.

Theresia was born in Aying, Germany, on July 28, 1928. She met Heinz in 1949 and they married in August of 1953. They immigrated to Canada in September 1955, initially living in Lethbridge, Alberta, before settling in Calgary in 1958, where they started their family.

Theresia spent many years being a busy mom and homemaker before starting her career with City Bakery. She was a proud member of the Heimatecho Choir at the Austrian Canadian Club for 40 years. She was an avid reader and loved to crochet.

A Celebration of Theresia’s Life will be held at McInnis and Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB T2E 286) on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Theresia Franke's service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Theresia's family here.

In living memory of Theresia Franke, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

Click to Sign the Video Guest Book and Watch Theresia Franke's Funeral Service