MARCH 30, 1933 – MAY 6, 2024
Maureen Epprecht passed away peacefully at St. Luke’s Place on the morning of May 6th,2023, in the loving company of her children, following a brave journey with dementia.
Born in Leeds, England on March 30th, 1933, to Eileen and Frank Quirke, she was married for 69 years to her beloved husband Hans Epprecht , who predeceased her in 2022. She is greatly missed by her four children, Paul, Marc, Mandy, and Erika, her seven grandchildren and her four great grandchildren.
Hans and Maureen immigrated to Canada in 1956, settling first in London, Ontario, then moved to Galt in 1961 where for many years Maureen was primarily a homemaker, lovingly dedicated to making family life exciting and fulfilling. This included caring for her own parents after their retirement and move to Canada from England in 1963.
As her children grew, Maureen took on employment at the Cambridge Public Library children’s department where her creativity shone by leading and creating children’s programs, designing, and drawing the artwork for the department, and helping with the “Young People’s Players” theatre performances. She also took on a stint at Kitchener Shaw cable as a talk show host, giving her the opportunity to explore and engage in many exciting behind-the –scenes adventures as well as showcase her vivacious personality. In addition, Maureen spent several years at the Cambridge Hospital Physiotherapy Dept.
Maureen was an avid volunteer as President of the Cambridge Boys Gymnastic Club and President and Founder of the Cambridge Ballroom Dance Club, embracing her dancing passion along with Hans. Together they travelled the world as amateur dance competitors, highlighted by their win as North American Senior Champions in the Viennese Waltz, and as competitors in the British Open Championships in Blackpool, England. They danced and taught on over 65 cruise ships, allowing them to indulge in their passion for travel, while making friends and cherished memories along the way. Maureen was a self-taught, accomplished seamstress who designed and created elaborate ballgowns both for herself and others.
Maureen was a witty, strong-willed, sometimes feisty, vivacious personality, a natural raconteur who loved theatre, reading, poetry, fashion and entertaining, especially for Christmas feasts together with her ever-expanding family.
Maureen’s devotion to seven generations of cats and feeding the birds and squirrels brought enormous joy to her heart. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cambridge and District Humane Soaciety or St. Luke’s Place in Hespeler are greatly appreciated.
Sadly, a diagnosis of mixed Dementia disease dimmed her spirit over the past few years. The family extends its’ deepest gratitude to the wonderful care provided by the PSWs, nurses and all staff at St. Luke’s Place. So many kindnesses were extended to both Maureen and her family over the years, and we are so very thankful and grateful for the care and compassion.
A celebration of Maureen’s life will be held on May 31st, 2024, from 2-5pm at Little’s Funeral Home, 233 Main St., Cambridge, Ontario. All are welcome.
Arrangements entrusted to T. Little Funeral Home & Cremation Centre