Maria F. Chartier

Maria F. Chartier1938-2014SPRINGFIELD- Maria F. (Koehler) Chartier, 76, of Springfield/Three Rivers, MA, left this world peacefully on July 19, 2014 with the sun rising and the birds chirping, easing her transition from this life to continue her journey, joining those loved ones who awaited her arrival.  She was born on July 1, 1938 in Welgesheim, Germany, to the late Franz and Maria Koehler.  She is survived by five children, Lorraine Duffy (John), Marion Talbot (Gregg), Robert Chartier (Son Chu), Debra Gomes (with whom she lived), and Susan Wilson (Stephen); seven grandchildren, Duane, Anthony, Rebecca, Alan, Audra, Sonja, and Preston; as well as twelve great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her siblings in Germany, Susanna Volkmann, Anna Fleck, Gisela Hoehn, Werner Koehler, Manfred Koehler, and Ludwig Koehler.  Maria was predeceased in 2007 by Roland, her husband of 49 years.  She was also predeceased by her son John, two sisters Elisabeth and Margarete and two brothers-in-law Theo and Heinrich.  Maria was an accomplished tailor and seamstress who enjoyed using her skills to design and sew many things including suits, wedding gowns (especially for her daughters), her children's clothes, as well as doll and Barbie clothes. She also put her talents to use in creating crafts which were often given as gifts to family and friends. Some of her other passions included researching history, reading biographies, traveling, Broadway, live theater, gardening, ceramics, Bingo, playing cards and baseball all of which she enjoyed sharing with her family.  During her children's younger years, she was a co-leader in Girls Scouts and assistant den mother in the Cub Scouts.  Maria took great pride in raising her family while working as the restaurant manager at McCrory's in the Eastfield Mall.  She later joined a team of women, who became like family, while working at Sewing by Blanche in Indian Orchard.  She was also an involved member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, Westover Unit 11.  Maria's children would like to give thanks to Mercy Hospice for treating mom with kindness, compassion and dignity in her final months.  On Friday, August 1, at Ratell Funeral Home, 200 Main St., Indian Orchard, family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours between 4-7 p.m., with a memorial service at 6 p.m. to honor Maria.  Burial will be at the convenience of the family at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mercy Hospice, 2112 Riverdale St. Suite 3, West Springfield, MA 01089 or Rays of Hope, 280 Chestnut St Springfield, MA 01089. For additional information, visit ratellfuneralhome.com.Ratell Funeral Home(413)543-3836