Wagener – Maria Theodora Wagener of Brooks passed away peacefully in Brooks on February 17th, 2014. She was known lovingly to friends and family, as “Riet,” and to her grandchildren as “Oma.” She is survived by her four children, Ron (Patty), Ingrid (Sam), Mark (Janette) and Kim, five grandchildren, Ashley (Trevor), Ceara (Tyler), Cheyenne (Kirby), Jorja and Madleine and two great-grandchildren, Brennan and Judah. Born on April 13th, 1934 in Holland, Riet was raised in and near the town of Nijmegen. In 1955 she married ‘Geert’ Wagener and they immigrated to Canada in 1959. They carved out a new life in southern Alberta starting in Bellevue and then Oyen where they started a family. In March of 1973 they settled in Brooks where Geert became a partner in a John Deere dealership. Here they built a home, raised a beautiful family and forged life-long friendships. Riet lost her oldest daughter, Janet, in 1965 and her husband in 1989 but her unyielding faith, her surprising strength and the support of her friends and family have allowed her to persevere, develop her many talents and establish a home that has become an iconic presence in the Brooks community. Before she retired, Riet worked at the Brooks Swimming pool as an instructor for school groups. Riet was also a Master Seamstress and a creative quilter. Her children grew up with custom clothing and her grandchildren sleep more soundly under quilts made with her loving hands. Her passion for gardening has led to her having one of the most beautiful summer yards in town. She was also an avid golfer and part of an intrepid foursome that was a regular sight at the Meadows par 3 course. Perhaps her greatest talent was in the kitchen. Her Christmas baking was the stuff of legend and sorely missed over this last holiday season as her failing health prevented her from making her annual delivery to neighbors and friends. Riet was a faithful member of the St. Mary’s catholic parish. She often took a leadership role in the community including being President of the CWA. The strength she gained from her faith and the support network through the church was never more evident than in the last months of her life. Riet Wagener leaves behind a legacy of love and friendship, joy and laughter, and an enduring strength of spirit. It lives on in her family and in all those who knew her and loved her. She will be missed. A Prayer Service was held at 7:00 PM on Thursday, February 20th from St. Mary’s Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass followed by a gathering to celebrate her life was held at 11:00 am on Friday, February 21St from St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Father Raul Hernandez Celebrant. In Memory of Riet, if family or friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Alberta Cancer Foundation, 710-10123 99 St. NW Edmonton, AB T5J 3H1. Arrangements in care of THOM’S FUNERAL HOME AND RECEPTION CENTRE. For further information please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.
