Maria Gottschalk, 84, of Easthampton, Mass.

EASTHAMPTON, MASS. >> Maria Gottschalk, 84, of Easthampton, Mass., died Oct. 8, 2016, in her home with her loving family at her side.

She was born in St. Lorenzen ob Murau, Austria on Jan. 6, 1932, the daughter of Florian Passegger and Bibiana (Seufter) Passegger.

She grew up in Austria and later moved to Switzerland where she met and married her husband of 48 years Heinz Gottschalk, who died in January of 2007.

In 1961 she gave birth to a son, Bernd, and in 1962 the family moved to New York City. In 1975, the family moved to West Hurley, N.Y., where she lived up until very recently.

She loved being with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She was well known for volunteering her time helping people get to know and understand the Bible, including the hope it contains for those who have fallen asleep in death. This hope comforted her and comforts her family at this difficult time. She continued busy in that work until her strength gave out.

She was also predeceased by a sister Reli during childhood, both parents and her brother Florian Passegger of Austria.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Bernd and Kim Gottschalk residing in Easthampton, Mass.; her two granddaughters, Bria Hilchey and husband Justin and Kierstin Golec and husband Christopher all of Easthampton; her brother, Alois Passegger; and her sister, Gretel Zwinger, both of Austria.

A memorial talk will be given at 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 24, 2016, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 511 Northampton Street, Holyo