A Tribute to Erna Maschki
by Lee Hunt
“She was a strong, determined, loving human being”. With those words, Frieda Kalak lovingly described her sister, Erna Maschki, who passed away on December 8, 2024.
That strength was needed. When WWII broke out in Europe, Erna was only five years old. In October 1940, her family was forced to leave Germany. They first went to Austria for two years, then to Poland for three years, followed by seven weeks on the road travelling by covered wagon to Neidersachsen in Northern Germany where they lived for ten years.
During the time in Neidersachsen, Erna met and married Bruno Maschki. Their daughter Karin was born in Neidersachsen.
In 1955, the entire family moved to Canada, arriving at Pier 21 in Quebec City.
Erna and Bruno had contracted to work on sugar beet farms for two years – gruelling work that was! Once that obligation had been fulfilled, Erna, Bruno, and Karin moved to Picture Butte then to Calgary.
In Calgary, they bought a Brentwood home on Barr Road. Theirs was one of only two houses on Barr at that time and apparently there was nothing but mud on both the “street” and the alley. In this home, Erna and Bruno raised their four daughters – all of whom attended Captain John Palliser, Simon Fraser, and Churchill Schools.
Erna and Bruno were both lifelong members of Hope Lutheran Church in Brentwood. In fact, they were both present at the church’s sod turning in 1962. Even after she moved in 2008 to Westbourne Residence in Huntington Hills, Erna continued to attend the Sunday Service at Hope – even if it meant going by cab. (As an aside – In 2022, when I wrote a Bugle article about the history of Hope Lutheran, Erna was one of the church members whom I interviewed. She was a walking history book!)
Another of Erna’s sisters – Erika Blakeman – described Erna as “invested and committed.” This was particularly reflected in her volunteer work at Hope Lutheran and at Confederation Park Seniors’ Centre, plus in her paid work at Bethany Care Centre. In fact, Erna was such a dedicated employee and later a volunteer that she was dubbed “Mrs. Bethany”.
One of Erna’s long-time Brentwood friends, Claire, described Erna as “a true, kind friend” and a “real people person.” Claire recalls Erna once arranged a bus to drive about 30 Confederation Seniors to Erna and Bruno’s cottage at Pine Lake for a BBQ. Claire and her husband, Ernie, helped out. Bruno looked after the actual barbecuing, while Erna did the rest. Claire commented how Erna was “very efficient” and a “good cook.”
Pastor Leach of Hope Lutheran referred to Erna’s “strength of character”, while the church Coordinator, Zena, will remember Erna as, “resilient, faithful, and humble – a person who showed love and compassion to everyone she met.”
Erna’s Westbourne neighbours Josie and Lesley both referred to her “beautiful smile for everybody” and the fact that she was “always active.” In fact, when Josie stopped in to see Erna just two days before her death, “Erna was busy cutting baby carrots for soup”.
I myself shall also remember that wonderful “Erna smile”, her dedication to her faith, and her kindness to all. Thanks, Erna.
We at The Bugle acknowledge a life very well lived. We extend our condolences to all of Erna’s family and friends.
BEST WISHES
by Lee Hunt
We at The Bugle extend our best wishes to Brentwoodian Paul Dunphy who retired from Global TV on December 23, 2024. Many will recall seeing Paul reporting the weather for almost 50 years on TV. Others will recall his being the guest speaker at Brentwood Community Association’s 60th Anniversary banquet in 2023. This reporter vividly remembers watching Paul flawlessly operate a drone as it took photos of the new Brisebois mural last September.
Thanks for your 50 years of keeping us updated on the weather, Paul.
May you experience many new adventures and endeavours in your retirement.
Congratulations
We at The Bugle celebrate the 90th birthday of Enid Holtby on January 20, 2025. Enid, a Brentwood resident for over 40 years, quietly supports Brentwood through donating to murals, patronizing the library, and working at the Community Garden.
Happy Birthday, Enid!
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