Obituary of Maria Dyck

Mom was born Oct 10, 1929 to Henry and Maria Hamm. Mom was a very hard worker. Being the oldest, she worked outside on the farm together with her sister Martha from a young age. After a school was built where they lived, she was able to complete Gr. 4 in schooling. She loved school. She also loved music. Martha would play harp and Mom the guitar, and they sang together. They were known to have woken up from their sleep singing in harmony together. While they were dating, and because Dad knew Mom loved music so much, he bought and mailed Mom a guitar while he was working in Big River. He also ordered an auto harp from Eaton’s for her. Together with Martha, Mom went to the Hague Conference Church for baptismal classes. During this time, she understood and came to an assurance of faith. She was baptized June 5th, 1949. Mom and Dad planned an outdoor wedding for June 26, 1949 but moved indoors to the East Reinfeld School because of rain. A few days later they moved to Coaldale, Alberta, as Dad was working there in construction. Henry was born the following year. In November they moved back to Saskatchewan and lived with Mom’s parents at her dad’s request. They lived there for one year during which time Bill was born. Shortly thereafter they moved to their own place at the creek, east of Hague. Neal, Lisa, Mary, Susan, the triplets (Frank, Mike, and Martha), Ruben, Bertha and Sarah were all born during this time. In 1966 Mom and Dad moved 1 mile north to an established farmyard where there was electricity and a cement basement. Abe and Philip joined the family here. In 1983 Dad built a home in Neuanlage. It was Mom’s first new house! From here they made several moves: Osler, Hague, Saskatoon, Warman, Langham, and finally to the Rosthern Mennonite Nursing Home. Wherever they moved Mom would continue her love of gardening, finally resorting to container gardening. Mom was an outdoors person and she loved animals. Whether it was milking cows, hatching chickens, raising laying hens, turkeys, or geese, she loved it all and was always accompanied by a dog. Mom had a very distinct whistle which she used to call us or the cows home. She even used it last week to try and wake Dad up. Mom’s life was by no means easy. The loss of her baby triplets was especially difficult. In the last days she spoke about them a lot and we can just imagine the great rejoicing she is experiencing now with them as well as with Nevin, Haylee and other family members that have gone before. The past few years have been special to us seeing Mom and Dad together, often reliving their younger years. Mom would be so pleased that Dad was her boyfriend, holding hands and being attentive to each other. The last day, Dad would not leave her side and held her hand or arm until her passing. Overall, Mom persevered. Through many changes and challenges she kept her faith and walk with Jesus. We are thankful for the love and care she gave us and look forward to seeing her again. She leaves to mourn her husband, Cornelius; her children, Henry (Nettie), Bill (Deanna), Neal, Elizabeth (Peter Friesen), Mary (Dan Gibson), Susan (Henry Janzen), Ruben (Eileen), Bertha (Ken Guenther), Sarah (Tony Brown), Abe (Diane), Philip; also 35 grandchildren and 47 great grandchildren. Maria was predeceased by her parents Henry & Maria Hamm; her triplets Frank, Mike, & Martha; one grandchild Nevin Dyck and one great grandchild Haylee Wall; her brother Mike and her sister Martha; three brothers-in-law Jake Fehr, Herman Fehr, and Helmer Epp. She is survived by sisters Bertha Fehr, Elizabeth (Ruben Derksen) and Sarah Epp; one sister-in-law Helen Hamm; three brothers Abe (Nettie), Philip (Helen), and Henry (Peggy). The family wishes to express their gratitude to the Langham Care Home and the Rosthern Mennonite Nursing Home for the excellent and compassionate care Mom received. Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10