Maria Schalk of Strafford Vermont passed away on Friday, February 4, 2011 at Littleton regional Hospital in New Hampshire. She was born in Germany March 5, 1946, and was the only child of George and Helen Stroboka.

Her family and relatives were relocated after the war. Maria and her family went first to Brazil, then to Canada where she spent most of her youth. The family entered the USA at NY, and after graduating from High School, Maria was employed at various positions while attending a drafting institute which lead to a drafting position at Grumman Aero space on Long Island, NY. She was employed for 15 years until Grumman merged with Northrop and she was released. With her knowledge of the Russian Language, she accepted an administration position in the Russian Department at Dartmouth College at Hanover, New Hampshire and moved to Vermont. Then on September 12, 2009, after 13 years on the job, she selected an early retirement.

Relocating to a rural location in Vermont was ideal – she loved nature and being out doors. She tried everything at least once. Rowing on the Connecticut, different types of snow locomotion, camping, and hiking, trail riding and working at Dressage. She loved her horse and was a member of the GMHA of Vermont. She also loved her home and spent many hours working in the flower garden.

Maria is survived by her husband Arthur whom she married on Feb. 5, 1982, her step-daughter, Carolyn Schalk Downing, of Milford, PA, her step-sons, Kevin Schalk of East North Port, NY, and Mark Schalk of West Hempstead, NY, friends and associates.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday evening February 9th at 6:00 at the Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock, Vermont. On line condolences may be expressed at www.cabotfh.com.

In lieu of flowers friends may make donations to the Vermont Food Bank, 33 Parker Road, Wilson Industrial Park, Barre, Vermont 05641.