It is with great sadness that the family of MARIA “MARLENE” STROEVE announces heaven has received another angel. She passed away at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Centre in Lethbridge, Alberta on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at the age of 67 years.

She had a tough battle with cancer and fought a hard fight at home with amazing grace for almost two years. She moved to palliative care on Monday and passed away peacefully surrounded by her family 3 days later.

She will be greatly missed by her husband of 50 years, Joseph Stroeve.

Her children will greatly miss her beautiful presence in their lives. Michael (Gisele) Stroeve, Tanya (William) Slomp, Angie (Mark) Van Zeggelaar and Jackie (Jason) Kraemer.

She loved her family with all her heart and soul and when her grandchildren came along, she cherished every moment with them and made many priceless memories and traditions that will be cherished for years to come. She will be greatly missed by Rylan, Kyler and Mylee Stroeve; Ethan, Ella, Clara, Liam and Liza Slomp; Matthew and Emma Van Zeggelaar; Jaxon & Jonas Kraemer.

She was predeceased by her precious granddaughter Cora Rose Kraemer, and by her loving parents, Joe and Abby Poppe. She is survived by her siblings, Alfons (Freda) Poppe and Helen Poppe.

Marlene’s most important thing in life was looking after her family and connecting with friends. Her house was open to all, and she was always there with a listening ear. She touched the hearts of many. She shared her love for camping with her children. When Marlene was not spending valuable time with her family, you could find her on the dance floor, dancing the night away with Joe and her friends.

Marlene was a devoted farm wife and loved her time raising her family on the farm. But she also had a need to connect with more children. The best place for her to reach out and support so many, was her time employed at St. Catherine’s School in Picture Butte. She was the smiling supportive face that welcomed an abundance of new faces and families to the school, consoled and gave hugs to many children and covered up many cuts and bruises over the years. She was a strong advocate for all children and embraced her time spent at the school.

In heaven, she will be holding and cuddling her beloved granddaughter Cora Rose Kraemer, while updating her mom and dad about everything new on the farm and what her children and grandchildren have been up to. Always a proud wife, momma and grandma, she will never be forgotten.

A Prayer Vigil will be held at ST. CATHERINE’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 762 Crescent Avenue, Picture Butte, AB, on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 7:00 PM with Father Ian officiating.

A Funeral Mass at ST. CATHERINE’S CATHOLIC CHURCH on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 11:00 AM with Father Ian Gagne celebrating.

Maria will be laid to rest in Royal View Cemetery.

The Prayer Vigil and Funeral Mass will be recorded and available to view through Maria’s obituary on the Cornerstone Funeral Home website by Monday, April 24, 2023.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2023-04-13
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta