Anna Maria Kappelhoff

Anna Maria (nee Hoffmann) Kappelhoff was the third and youngest child of parents Hermann August Hoffmann and Anna Martha (Smarkovski) Hoffmann, born on February 28, 1938, in Blankenstein, Germany.  The eldest was her brother Johannes (Hansi) who remained in Germany his entire life followed by her older sister Susan who immigrated to Canada.  Anna’s childhood took place during war time and her youth in the aftermath of war. Stories of survival and hardships filled those years along with amazing tales of family love and commitment to the Catholic faith.  At the young age of 20, in May 1958, Anna boarded a boat in Holland and travelled 10 days to New York.  There she became the nanny of a wealthy family that bought her a car (a Zepher) and taught her how to drive.  Anna loved New York and went back many times throughout her life.  After she received news that her sister was pregnant, she moved to Edmonton, Alberta to assist with the birth of her first nephew (Peter) and decided to stay. 

Anna began working at the Royal Bank and shortly later met Carl Emanuel Ludwig Kappelhoff (Lou) who would become her lifelong husband.  Although the start of their relationship was filled with drama, including Lou chasing Anna to Germany, they married on December 29, 1961, in Germany and returned to Edmonton.  Anna worked at the Royal Bank until October 1962 when she gave birth to the first of her four sons, Ralph Ludwig.  She then befriended Anneliese Gerlich who became a lifelong friend.  On Mother’s Day in May of 1964, she had a second son, Gordon Herman and shortly later the family moved to Red Deer.  After setting up the family home, in December 1968 Anna gave birth to her one and only daughter, Sonya Ann.  Anna then met Father Gregory Roetker, the Priest from the German Church, who became another lifelong friend.  Later, in June 1970, Mark Andrew was born and around the same time a new family moved in across the street in Red Deer, Karen and Lawrence Bates, who also became dear friends to Anna and Lou.  In May 1973, John Christopher was born and shortly thereafter the whole family moved to Varsity Estates in Calgary, which would become the family home for over 50 years.  

One of Anna’s main priorities was participating in the local Catholic Church, and she fell in love with St. Lukes where she was an active parishioner for over five decades (Choir, Sacristan, Eucharistic Minister, Inn from the Cold, RCIA, 20 years with the Catholic Women’s League); one of her favourite events was the annual Christmas Bazaar with Marg Cook, Beverley, Annie, and Mary Jane.  As the children grew older, Anna took a part-time job at The Bay where she worked for over 20 years.  With some additional independence and income, Anna was able to connect with her love of travel and adventure again, visiting countries such as Israel, Scotland, England, Wales, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Australia, Germany, USA, Italy, Our Lady of Lourdes in France, Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal, Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico, and Our Lady of Medjugorje in Bosnia.   

With a contagious smile, Anna was frequently seen hosting visitors, walking around the Silver Springs Golf Course, and proudly attending to her gardens and plants in Varsity Estates, which always looked amazing.  These activities, and her positivity, undoubtedly allowed her to summit the Mount of Temptation in Jericho at age 79, and drive to and participate in her nine grandchildren’s birthdays and school and church events into 2024. 

In late 2023, Anna was unexpectantly diagnosed with lung cancer. Treatment was considered risky given Anna’s age, but she embarked on limited radiation therapy. Anna’s family and friends surrounded her with loving care until she was moved from her home to Dulcina Hospice Care where she passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2025. Throughout her journey, Anna continued to live with a positive outlook, kept her sense of humour, and always had a beautiful smile for everyone.  

Anna leaves to cherish her memory to her children: Ralph (Debbie), Gordon, Sonya, Mark and John (Janet); grandchildren: Bohdi, Kayley, Sydney, Skylar, Sadie, Kirk, Megan (Luke), Ben, and Ian; and a host of family and friends.  

We would like to thank the staff at the Market Mall Pharmacy for going above and beyond for 30+ years, especially during Anna’s cancer treatments. The staff at Dulcina Hospice Care should also be recognized for showing comfort, compassion, and dignity to those in their final days, as well as providing families with much needed support.

Prayer Service will be held at St. Luke’s Catholic Church (1566 Northmount Dr NW) on Monday January 13, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Luke’s Catholic Church on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow.  Live-streaming will be available through the link below for those unable to attend in person.

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