Obituary of Maria Renate Felizitas Nikola Barclift Green

Maria Renate Felizitas Nikola Barclift Green died on January 21 at her home in Alexian Grove at the age of 82. She was predeceased by her parents, Helene Anna Maria Hamberger Nikola and Alois Peter Josef Nikola; her siblings Horst Nikola, Kornelia Nikola Scott, and Walter Nikola; and her husbands, Bob Barclift and Dr. Frank Green. Maria was born in Stuttgart, Germany on October 9, 1935. Two years later her family moved to Munich. During the height of World War II, she was sent to live with a new family outside of the city to be safe and attended school in Massenhausen. She returned to Munich after the war, where she was confirmed in the Catholic Church. Father Joseph Ratzinger, who later became Pope Benedict, assisted in her confirmation. Maria met her husband, Bob Barclift, a US Army paratrooper, while he was stationed in Germany. She came to the U.S. in 1956 to marry. She is survived by one son, Richard Barclift and his wife, Margaret, and one daughter Susan Probasco and her husband Ben; her grandchildren, Robert (Brooke) Barclift, Keith (Megan) Barclift, Philip & Cartter Probasco; and great grandchildren, Lilah & Ronin Barclift. After moving to Chattanooga, Maria worked for UT College of Medicine for many years as Business Manager of the Family Practice Medical Office. She was a member of The Church of the Good Shepherd on Lookout Mountain and in later years particularly cherished the 5:00pm chapel service. She was an avid and accomplished duplicate bridge player as well as a talented gardener. She took pride in her prolific vegetable garden in addition to year round cutting flowers & foliage. She had the deepest passion and dedication toward her devoted dachshund, Paisley, who dutifully never left her side until the end. She would want to thank all of the family and friends who accompanied her over the years to her homeland where she found the greatest of joy. Her time visiting with family in Munich & Berchtesgaden was the highlight of any year for her. She loved introducing friends to the places she cherished the most. The family would like to thank Beverly Langford & Alexian Grove for their love and support; Cheryl Smith of Prestige Senior Healthcare along with caregivers Rhonda, Ann, Tonjya, Amy & Lori; and Amedisys Hospice. A private service will be held in the chapel on Thursday, January 25 at Church of the Good Shepherd with the Reverend Robert Childers presiding. The family will receive friends in the Good Shepherd parish hall from 4:00-5:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Church of the Good Shepherd, P.O. Box 145, Lookout Mountain, TN 37350 or Chattanooga Community Kitchen, 727 E. 11th Street, Chattanooga, TN 37403. Arrangements are by Wann Funeral Home & Cremation Center, at the foot of historic Lookout Mountain, St. Elmo. (423) 821-7551 Share your memories, stories and photos at www.wannfuneralhome.com.