On March 9, 2004 at Saanich Peninsula Extended Care Unit, Marcha Helena Klingspohn (nee Kriese) passed away as she had lived, quietly with dignity and grace.
Martha was born in St. Ouens, Man. on November 1, 1924, the sixth of nine children, born to Emilie and Frederick Kriese. She grew up on a farm and loved to reminisce about those early days growing up as a country girl with her brothers and sisters. She was devoted to all of them and remained bonded in love to her family, even as they grew up and moved away.
She moved from Manitoba to British Columbia with her parents in 1947, when they settled in Vernon, operating a small truck garden and grocery store.
Martha married Erwin Klingspohn in 1949 and in 1951 gave birth to her only child, a son, Raymond.
Martha raised Ray on her own in Chilliwack and was always very proud of his accomplishments, especially when he was named valedictorian of his graduating class in 1970.
Ray’s marriage to Donna and especially the births of her grandchildren, Allison and Lee brought her great joy. The grandchildren loved spending time with ‘Grandma K’, who taught them to bowl, play checkers and paint. They also enjoyed going on picnics or traveling into town. Only recently they realized that when they visited grandma, they never turned on the television.
Painting became a passion for Martha, and her pastoral scenes and especially her floral groupings became the prize possession of many friends and family members, and continue to adorn the walls at Ray and Donna’s home.
Martha began experiencing health problems a few years ago, and had to give up her carpet bowling and other activities, but was happy to move to Victoria to live with ray and Donna, where she enjoyed her flowers and the lovely views from her room. Her great-grandchildren also brought her much love and joy. When her mobility became limited and she had to use a walker, her great-grandson would ride up on the front, screaming with laughter as he rode up and down the hall.
She is survived by her son Ray Klingspohn (Donna); her granddaughter Allison Trepanier (Pierre); grandson Lee Klingspohn (Donna) and her great-grandchildren, Krysta, Aaron, Adara and Rhys. Also to mourn her passing are her sister Marjorie Breck (Edward), and her family; as well as her brother Ted Kriese (Lil), and his family; along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Her parents, Emilie and Frederick; sisters, Christine, Natalie and Hilda; and brothers, Bill, Herman, and Albert, predeceased her.
Martha was very much loved by all her family, her very good friends, and all who became acquainted with her. The memory of her quiet grace will live in their hearts forever.