MARIA TRINKAUS, wife of the late Joe Trinkaus, of Lethbridge passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, August 20, 2020 at the age of 72 years.

She will be remembered by her daughter Amy (Alan) Brecka of Picture Butte as well as two grandchildren, Johnathan and Sophia. She is also survived by her brother John (Josie) Ozimek and two sisters Dragi (Joze) Pekolj and Ani (Lojze) Lokar of Slovenija.

Maria was born on November 24, 1947 in Sela Sumberk, Slovenija in the former Yugoslavia. She was one of nine children, the second youngest. At the age of 16, she immigrated to Canada where her brother John was living. She became a hairdresser and opened up a shop in Oshawa, Ontario. Both being part of the Slovenian community in the Toronto area, Maria and Joe became acquainted and in 1974, they were married. They were happy to welcome a baby girl, Amy into the world in 1978. In 1980, Maria and her family moved to Cranbrook, BC where she spent the next 30 years. In 2010, after the death of her husband, Maria moved to Lethbridge and was happy to be living close to Amy and family.

She was a devoted wife and mother. She was a wonderful grandmother "Nony" and embraced the role with open arms. Johnny and Sophie brought her so much joy and she was always so grateful to be a part of their lives. Her flower garden brought her hours of peace and she was always complimented on her beautiful yard. Amy and Alan's farm was like a second home to Maria, she loved the drive from Lethbridge and always commented on how beautiful the fields looked. She was a fantastic cook. When Easter dinner was served, it was a five course meal. She loved to have many people around the table. Maria was a devoted Catholic and became active in the parishes that she belonged to over the years. She was a woman of strong faith, was down to earth and had such positive energy and determination. She made friends wherever she went and we are all so fortunate to have known and loved her. Her last words of advice were "be happy and love each other".

During her brief stay at the Chinook Regional Hospital, Maria received excellent care and the family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff involved in her care.

There will be a private memorial mass as well as a celebration of life to be determined at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society (#200, 325 Manning Road N.E., Calgary, AB, T2E 2P5 or online at www.cancer.ca/donate/).