Maria C. Konert

Maria Christina (Gallusser) Konert was born May 28, 1952, in St. Paul, Minnesota and joined her parents, Carlos G. and Doris W. Gallusser, and brother, Marshall Gallusser, when she passed into the arms of the Lord on Sunday, November 7, 2021.

Maria leaves her loving memories to be cherished by her brother, Carlos Gallusser of Rochester, MI, her sisters Carla (Gallusser) Jumonville of Baton Rouge, LA, and Elena (Gallusser) Rome of Sorrento, LA; while her daughters Nicole (Konert) Stulak of Chester Springs, PA, and Carmen Konert of Santa Rosa Beach, FL; sons Joseph Konert of Miami, FL, and Nicholas Konert of Brooklyn, NY; three grandchildren, Jude and Beckham Stulak and Knox Konert, will continue her beautiful legacy for many years to come.

Maria found strength in her deep faith, which was the cornerstone of her life. She was a weekly participant at bible study and shared her love of the bible's greatest stories with her children and grandchildren. Maria regularly prayed the rosary and did so, hand-in-hand, with her son Joseph, until her last day on earth. Maria often expressed her most significant role and greatest purpose was being a mother to her four children. Maria's unwavering faith and her devotion to her family were evident in every facet of her life.

Maria's life-long passion for gemstones fueled her to become a gemologist through the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). She later went on to work as a gemologist with Bailey Banks and Biddle fine jewelers until she retired in 2009. In addition to her love of gemology, Maria surrounded herself with elements of nature, from orchids and bonsai to the beauty of butterflies and birds. She loved to read and found inspiration in her collection of books that spanned her artistic interests: Religious Italian Renaissance, nouveau and art deco artists, such as Erte' and Lalique, the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, the glass sculptures of Dale Chihuly, and the ornate art pieces of Faberge.

Love and laughter filled her heart and Maria's sense of humor brought joy to all who knew her. Maria would often say how blessed she was to have friendships that spanned decades, yet any friend would count Maria as their blessing. She was selfless, resilient, compassionate, strong-willed, talented, intuitive, beautiful, a kid-at-heart, and full of grace.

One of Maria's most favorite sayings, "Ancestors plant trees, descendants enjoy the shade," reminds us to cherish treasured moments while honoring the memories and lessons passed down from loved ones before us.

The Cypress Springs Mercedarian Prayer Center is a special place where Maria found peace and shared her time while living in Louisiana. Maria's life will be celebrated with a private service at Cypress Springs Mercedarian Prayer Center. A public interment will take place at Resthaven Gardens of Memory on November 19, 2021, at approximately 2:30 PM. A private, champagne celebration will take place at the Houmas House to honor Maria.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to The Sister Dulce Foundation, Inc. 17560 George O'Neal Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70817, or online at https://www.cypressspringsprayercenter.org.

Condolences may be expressed at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.