Photo's courtesy of Sidney Thoms Some Memories - Just from a Lifter I spent most of my competitive carrier lifting in the APF (American Powerlifting Federation). Thinking back over the years I can't think of one National or Junior Nation Meet that Marris wasn't there. I remember her lifting, judging, announcing, working the table and sometimes all in the same weekend. She had no problem telling you how she felt and pissed me off a couple times (that I can't for the sake of me remember except for the fact that I probably deserved it). My point is she knew and loved lifters. She knew how to support them and communicate with them in ways very few ever do. We respected her and loved her being at the meets. She always had a way to make the meet just a little better. Her encouragement and smile is what I remember the most and she will be missed. The few times I shared lunch with her and others I almost died laughing. Such a great person and loss to the sport, - Dave Tate
SOURCE: Facebook A Tribute to Maris Anne Sternberg Powerlifting has lost a true Legend. Maris is now in a better place and no longer struggling to take another breath of air. She was a violist, artist, legendary athlete, teammate, and a true friend who will be so sadly by all who knew her. To have watched her perform at the Chicago Lyric Opera House while playing her viola for the Do It Yourself Messiah with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra was absolutely spell binding. She lit up the room she walked in and carried the sounds of music that raised everyone out of their seats to applaud her accomplishments both on the stage and on the powerlifting platform. Maris was also a very colorful announcer at the powerlifting meets. She would get the people on their feet cheering for a lifter to make that difficult 3rd. attempt to keep them in the meet. Maris would make you laugh until you cried and and make you laugh when you were crying. She was everyone's Big Sister. You were like a Big Sister to me Maris and someone that I could call a true friend. You will be missed but Never forgotten. Heaven is a whole new place now that you are there! Your Spirit and wonderful sense of humor lives on and on... Let the Memories Continue.... Amen Sidney Thoms
