Maria Matriche, 86, born February 11, 1934 entered into heaven on December 31, 2020. Maria was born in Schmidmuhlen, Germany, she was the youngest of four children of Johann & Franziska Dantl. Maria met Andre while being stationed at Grafenwohr, Germany in early 1953 in her small town. Fell in love at first sight, traveled to Kileen, Texas where they were married and became a proud US citizen in 1956. They were married 51 wonderful years. Her greatest joy was her one daughter, Monika Petitjean; her son-in-law, Bob; three beloved grandchildren, who all called her Oma, Chastity and husband, Thomas, Michelle and husband, Joshua, and Kassandra; and added family of Zachary and wife, Erika and Jamie. Maria went on to become a proud great grandmother of five, Haylee and husband, Scott, Tyler, Johnathan, Molly, Jordan, and added family of four, Blake, Rachel, Elijah, and Lila, and the great great grandmother of Lillian, JJ plus two more on the way.
Maria worked as a nurse’s aide and midwife, worked several years at the Army Air Force Exchange after traveling with her husband Andre to various duty stations, their final tour was at Ft. Carson in 1980 where Andre retired after 31 years in the Army and made Security their new home.
Maria continued working in home care along with her many hobbies of quilting, gardening, knitting, sewing, cooking, aqua aerobics, and bowling. She and Andre sponsored many exchange students from various countries. They also loved traveling the US and going to Cripple Creek for enjoyment.
Maria’s husband Andre preceded her in death 14 years prior. She moved to Jackson Creek Senior Living Facility in Monument two years ago to be close to her daughter and family. She chose to be called Mia from the staff and residents. She enjoyed the comfort of meeting and the companionship of all the staff and residents till her passing. She was truly the life of the facility, always staying busy helping others, loved by many, and will be so dearly missed by all that knew her.
A small memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on January 28, 2021 at the Shrine of Remembrance Chapel, Colorado Springs, Colorado. She will be placed to rest next to her husband in the columbarium. Chaplin Dale McLemore will be officiating the eulogy.
Contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado or the Human Society.
Betty Keller
24 Jan 2021Monica, Our hearts go out to you and your families. She was a great friend and wonderful quilting buddy. Are we allowed to attend memorial. If so what time is it.
Janet Scully
26 Jan 2021My family has always had great experiences and friendship with Maria, Oma, Mia. Her love and sharing were boundless. Memories we will always cherish.
Love…Janet, Patrick, Kristina, and Amanda.
Anonymous
29 Jan 2021Monika, our hearts go out to you in this time of sadness! We know how hard this is for you, as we’ve also been there.. But you can find comfort in knowing she is safe and free of pain. We love you and Bob and hugs to you and your family. ❤️?♀️?❤️
Sd and Rosalie
30 Jan 2021We are thinking of you Monika and pray for God’s comfort in all the days ahead! Godless!
Anonymous
1 Feb 2021We really sympathize with you and feel very sad though we had not met her since more than twenty years. Yet we tried to keep contact as often as possible from Belgium ! Accept our deepest condolences. Odette and André Matriche (Nandrin, Belgium, Europe)