Obituary of Erika Maerz

December 30, 1942 - Somogyszil, Hungary

October 23, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts but unwavering faith that we announce the peaceful passing of Erika Maerz on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at the age of 81 years. We take comfort in knowing that she had a deep relationship with God through Jesus Christ and is now resting in His loving arms. Though our hearts grieve, we are grateful for the promise of eternal life and the hope we have in Christ. As we mourn, we also celebrate the beautiful life Erika lived and the legacy of love, kindness, and faith she leaves behind.

Born in Somogyszil (Sil), Hungary, on December 30, 1942, Erika was the third child of the late George and Christine Maerz. Her close-knit extended family lived and worked together on their homestead farm, where their lives centered around family and faith.

On December 1, 1944, the Maerz family was forced to leave their home and flee from Hungary to Germany. God repeatedly demonstrated His protection and provision, bringing them safely to their temporary home in Germany, where they lived from 1944 to 1951. From Germany, the family immigrated to Lethbridge, AB through the Baptist World Alliance. After fulfilling their sugar beet contract in the Lethbridge area, they moved to Medicine Hat, AB, where Erika first met Howard at a musical night at the Baptist Church when they sang "He the Pearly Gates Will Open" together. They both later moved to Calgary, where they rekindled their relationship and were married on June 22, 1963.

Erika balanced a working career while raising a family, with the loving support of her mother and extended family. She excelled in shorthand classes, which led her to a long and successful career as an executive assistant in the oil and gas industry. As a youth, Erika created beautiful sketches of fashionable outfits and always took pride in her appearance. She loved dressing her sons in stylish clothes and later blessed her grandchildren with the same care and attention to detail.

Erika was an active member of her church, singing in the choir and using her organizational talents in women's ministry. She also volunteered at STARS Air Ambulance in its early days.

Erika made many cherished memories travelling to visit family in Arizona, USA, Texas, USA, England, Scotland, and Switzerland. She delighted in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved to open her home and host the church youth, ladies fellowships, as well as friends and family who came to Calgary. She was a compassionate and caring supporter to everyone who considered her a friend.

Erika’s love for her family is woven into the fabric of our lives, holding us tight and giving us strength. She is survived by her loving husband, Howard Maerz; her kids, David (Susan) and Daniel (Nancy); her precious kidlets, Addison (Carmen), Joel (Madison), Lauren (Spencer), Sarah (Jon), Matthew (Elizabeth), and Rachel; and her precious great-kidlets, Alatheia, Clara, Nora, Pendle, Otto, and Aaron. She is also survived by her brother George (Ingrid) Maerz and brother-in-law Art Klettke. She was predeceased by her sister, Elizabeth Klettke and her parents, George and Christine Maerz.

Psalm 23

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB), on Saturday, December 7, 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 Mrs. Maerz’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.

With a deep appreciation of the beautiful care Erika and our family received at the Dulcina Hospice Care, if friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Covenant Foundation, Suite #170, One Twelve Campus 10130 112 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 2K4, Telephone: 1-866-342-8126, www.covenantfoundation.ca or STARS Air Ambulance, 1441 Aviation Park N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 8M7, Telephone: 403-295-1811, www.stars.ca.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Erika’s family here.

In living memory of Erika Maerz, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.

Click to Sign the Video Guest Book and Watch Erika Maerz’ Funeral Service