Obituary of Christel Elfriede Maier

Obituary of Christel Elfriede (Hirsch) Maier

December 25, 1938 – April 8, 2024

On Monday, April 8, 2024, Christel at the age of 85, surrounded by her family, went home to be with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  Her life’s journey included many difficult health challenges, including two hemorrhagic strokes, and we are grateful she is now at peace.

Christel was the middle child of five children born to Arthur and Elfriede (Katins) Hirsch.  She was born in Germany on Christmas Day, December 25, 1938.   She committed her life to Christ at a young age and was baptized in the Baptist Church in Bochum. 

In May of 1959 she immigrated to Canada with her family.  Upon arriving to settle in St. Catharines, she met Alexander Maier, the love of her life.  They were engaged December 25, 1959 and married on April 2, 1960.  Alex and Christel were blessed with four children, Agnes, Melvin, Harold and Harvey.

Christel excelled in many things such as baking, crafts and musical skills.  She served in the church choir, instrumental choir, leading children’s choir and singing in duets or trios.  She taught in the community German school, where in addition to teaching she also formed a children’s choir and led them in many special performances.  Christel loved to be with people and was often found entertaining friends and family in her home. Together with Alex, she enjoyed many trips across Canada, the US, Mexico and two trips back to Germany.

Christel was predeceased by her husband Alex (March 17, 2022) and her sister Annemarie Gesch (June 15, 2022).  Grieving her passing are her children Agnes, Melvin, Harold (Cheryl), Harvey (Claudia).   She also leaves behind her nine precious grandchildren, Luke (Carly), Evan, Amanda (Peter), Nathaniel, James, Aidan (Melissa), Aimee, Kathleen and Elise.

She is survived by her siblings Ursula Schwarz, Reinhard (Heidi) Hirsch, Ruth (Ernst) Alge, her brother-in-law, Erwin Gesch and sister-in-laws Mary Maier, Hilda (Ed) Bergstresser, Wally Maier, as well as many nieces and nephews.  

Christel’s funeral will take place on Monday, April 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church, 605 Vine Street, St. Catharines.  Visitation will be one hour prior.  Reception to follow the service.  Interment will take place at Victoria Lawn Cemetery following the reception.

Memorial donations can be made to Immanuel Baptist Church – Missions.