Obituary of Maria Theresia Henriette Bos

Maria “Ria” Theresia Henriette [Collar] Bos (née König), in her 90th year, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 14th, 2025, at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital, Strathroy. Born in Oldenzaal, Holland on October 11, 1935, to Friedrich König and Mathilde (née Kordes) Liefländer. Stepdaughter to Willy Liefländer of Menden, Germany. Maria was a beloved sister to, and predeceased by Friedhelm, Joseph, Leo, and Tilly. She is survived by her sister Waltraud. Maria was predeceased by her husband Arnold Collar, and had one son, Erich Collar.
She moved to Canada in 1966 to reside in Parkhill Ontario. Later, Maria married her late husband of 34 years, Sebastian Bos, on July 15, 1978. Maria and Sebastian made their home in Parkhill for many years. Maria was a loving mother to Erich (Mimi) Collar and stepmother to Bill (Susanne) Bos, Anita Burgess, and Rudy Bos. She was a beloved Oma to Erich Collar (Kristeena), Thera Bos, Adam Bos, Jennifer (Ryan) Morley, Jeremy (Jill) Burgess, and the late Jessica Mollard (Travis). Maria was also the adored “TikTok” Oma (great-grandmother) to Madison and Jude, Talen, Salem and Tyson. Maria worked as a seamstress and labourer, and she was also known for making and delivering pizzas for the local pizzeria. Her talent for knitting was well-known, as she created beautiful sweaters, hats, and mitten sets for children, which she sold at the Annual Lambton Craft Show each fall. Maria's craft allowed her to do what she loved most. Maria enjoyed train trips to Montreal, pop-in visits to family campsites, boating and always enjoying a good homemade meal. Oma always had pickled Polish sausages, Dutch soup, pea soup, or Boerenkool ready to share. Maria and Sebastian were “snowbirds” every winter, spending their time in the sun in Tampa, Florida. Maria was known for her candidness and humour, which endeared her to many PSWs and nurses who supported her in her retirement living accommodations. A heartfelt thank you goes to the staff at Country Manor in Thedford for their care, compassion, and support over the past several years.

Cremation has taken place, and a private interment at St. Peter’s Cemetery will be held at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Denning’s of Strathroy.

Online condolences may be made at www.strathroyfuneralhome.com