I think of Maria every day. I have many memories of our times together. Lots of luncheon dates. Picking strawberries and tomatoes together and many phone calls. Really, really, miss her. Love, Lorraine

Sylvia, My heart and prayers are with you and your family. Your mom was an amazing lady and I am glad I got to meet her. I know she is looking down on you and thinking how proud she is of you and all your accomplishments. Love you! Carol

Dear Sylvia, I was so sorry to hear about your Mom from Linda Rigsby. Over the years, your happy stories about your Mom showed how close you were and I just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you. Give yourself grace and time to grieve - never easy, no matter when. Love, Jeanette Mendonca

I met Maria while working at Sarasota High School. My father was from Germany, so it was only natural that Maria and I formed a longtime friendship. Thru the years she helped me with sewing projects and, of course, gardening. She encouraged me to reupholster a living room chair and with her help, it turned out great.... which led me to do another! I enjoyed her showing me her garden when I stopped by to see her, and on occasion, she would give me plants from her garden. I still have some Amarillos she gave me... they still bloom every year! I always enjoyed our time together, whether it was outings for lunch, dinner, plant shows or just a shopping trip. (Or the occasional Happy Hour for a beer and snacks!) We always had some good laughs! I truly miss her friendship! I'll end with a Maria story.... I recently went to get my haircut (Maria referred me to Teresia years ago.) Teresia told me a story that happened a few years back. A lady who had cancer was in Teresia's shop for a cut when Maria came in. The lady had lost most of her hair. Maria was wearing a cap or hat that day (she always looked good in them). This lady admired it, so Maria decided to give her the cap! Teresia said the lady was almost in tears from gratitude when she left! That's my friend Maria!

Dear Sylvia, Alan and I are so sorry for your loss. Hugs, Enid and Alan

Maria’s family, Maria was such a good friend to my mom Linda Lacy for many years. I have heard so many wonderful stories about Maria and visited with her many times over the years along with my mom. Also had a fun day with her at the state fair once and I was always impressed with her sewing and needle work. She was one of a kind. May you find comfort in happy memories.

I never met Maria, but heard her daughter Linda speak of her while having a huge smile on her face. I was blessed enough to work with Linda and hear her stories of her mom. May Maria's memory be for a blessing. May her stories and traditions be carried on through her children and grandchildren. She lives in all of you. May memories of her carry all who knew her through this difficult time.

Kitty and I really enjoyed having known her. I recall one time when Kitty needed some assistance on a sewing project and your mother came over and took care of the issue very quickly. You and your family should be very proud of her and all of her accomplishments.

I didn’t know Maria very long. She was a beautiful lady, inside and out! You are home now Maria, and I know you will be watching over your beautiful family. God bless & my condolences and prayers for all! ❤️🙏🏼

Oma was a wonderful mother and grandmother. I will always remember her smile and giggle. She smiled often when her family was around. Her house was always open to her many grandkids and she never made a fuss about us being there getting into things, experimenting in her kitchen, or making things dirtier. My favorite memory with her is when she and Aunt Sylvi spent a few weeks teaching me the basics of sewing one summer while I was home from college. We made a beautiful dress and handbag. I cherish those memories. I am grateful to have had an Oma who invested her time and love into my life. I wish I could have gone to Germany with her. I’m sure she would have had so many incredible stories to share. I hope to visit with family one day in her honor. We miss and love you Oma. Thank you for the way you loved all of us in our family.

Lots of Memories, of course, but here are a few, Mom.... 🙂 Mom loved hanging out by the pool and gardening with the stereo speaker in the window listening to her favorite German and American songs. I still have that "tape". Her Laughter with her friends and family. A good Bowler. A mighty Green Thumb! Radishes and Beer! And always drank beer from a glass. Got me into Vitamins. Big fan of my gymnastics and boasted to her friends I was her "Olympian" (my response was always, "Oh, Mom"...) Her Love for her German family. Talented Seamstress. Margarita's. Loved wearing hats! Rain Lillies, Amaryllis and Hibiscus flowers. She flew to Germany with a 2 year old and 4 year old in tow to give birth to me in her Mom’s gasthaus. And the last several years we were each others workout buddy. I miss You so much, Mom! Prost!