Marie Anstadt (Maria Tindorf, or Mary) passed into the loving arms of Jesus on May 21, 2017, at the age of 88 after an extended illness.She was the youngest of 3 children (a brother died in infancy) born in a small German village in Romania on January 21, 1929.Her parents and older sister Katherine immigrated to Montreal, Canada when she was just a toddler, and she remained a Canadian citizen until she married the love of her life, Andrew (Andy) Anstadt in 1948.

Marie and Andy lived in Lafayette, Indiana while Andy finished his Engineering degree at Purdue University. They moved to Andy's hometown of Chicago, Illinois, where they welcomed their first two children, Karen and George.The sunshine of California beckoned and they moved to Cupertino where they welcomed son Keith, and settled in to raise their family.Sundays were a day of church and family.Marie reveled in being a homemaker.

In 1965, the family relocated to Orange, California. The new house included a pool, which became the hub of family gatherings.As the kids got older, Marie carried out a long-time dream and attended California State Univ., Fullerton, earning a BA in Psychology.

Life and travel opportunities opened up as Andy's career took them to Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.For 7 years, they embraced new cultures and travelled all over the world.Marie enjoyed collecting souvenirs and sharing stories of their experiences. When they returned, she delighted in spending time with her grandchildren. When her great-grandchildren arrived they were her pride and joy.Their faces never failed to bring a smile to her own.

Raised a Lutheran, Marie was steadfast in her faith. When she moved to Laguna Woods in 2004 she was welcomed at Lutheran Church of the Cross and gained a wealth of friends, who she treasured and considered her family.She loved to study the bible and enjoyed visiting and giving communion to the homebound.She especially valued her spiritual development in Cursillo, and most recently the Stephen Ministry program.

Marie is survived by her children Karen (Paul), George (Mary) and Keith (Michelle); grandchildren Brad (Kalyn), Ryan, Cassandra, Andrew (Jenn), Bonnie (Ben), Stephanie (Daniel) and Nathan; and great-grandchildren, Lacey, Piper, Dustin, Kolton "Cash", Tallulah and Ella.She also leaves behind nephews and nieces and their families in the U.S. and Canada. Marie is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Katie, and her husband of 52 years, Andy, as well as her great-grandson Gunnar.

Marie will be deeply missed by many.

Our family would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to all those who have supported us during this time. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to:
Lutheran Church of the Cross
24231 El Toro Road
Laguna Woods, California 92637
949-837-4673
Visit Online at: https://lcotc.org/online-giving/