Obituary of Mary Loewen

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR HENRY & MARY LOEWEN

Saturday, April 2, 2022

2:00 P.M.

Waldheim Jubilee Center

Waldheim, SK

September 13, 1932 - March 17, 2022

89 Years

Mary Loewen was born on September 13, 1932, to parents Peter & Katherine Harder in Shantal, Manitoba. Mary shared her childhood with her four siblings, Henry, Pete, Nick, and Sally.  She learned to work hard as she was the oldest daughter and was responsible for learning how to bake, clean and do other chores from the time she was very young.

Mary and her family enjoyed playing and singing music together.  This grew into Mary’s lifelong love of music.  She could harmonize to anything and knew the words for every song going from Gospel, country and bluegrass, music of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.  She played guitar from an early age and wherever Mary was…there was music!!  She loved Rockridge, Ness Creek Bluegrass festival, listening to old time music at the Barn Playhouse while enjoying an outdoor supper and senior’s entertainment nights.

Mary came to know Jesus as an eight-year-old girl at Vacation Bible School.  Her teacher shared of Jesus’ death on the cross for her sins.  Mary told her teacher she wanted to pray and ask Jesus into her heart and life that day. Mary continued as a true follower of Christ for her entire life and we know she was welcomed into Heaven on March 17, 2022.  

Mary & Henry met each other at a ball game when Mary was 19 years old.  Henry came with another girl; but left with Mary!  That’s how they told it.  They were joined in marriage on November 16, 1952, both at the age of 20 years old. 

They were blessed with four children:  Harold, Susan, Dennis, and Jane whom they raised in Altona, Manitoba.  While Henry was busy working and providing financially for their family, Mary was at home with her children, mothering, loving, and nurturing them.  She was devastated when Harold contracted meningitis at age three, leaving him with a cognitive impairment.  However, she never gave up and Harold lived with her and Henry until his passing in 1995.  Mary took care of Harold with much patience and kindness all through his years and life’s difficulties.  While her children were growing up, Mary worked as a seamstress from her own home and did very beautiful and intricate work.  She also worked at making delicious pie crusts for local restaurants and for community events. 

Henry and Mary moved to Waldheim in June of 1982.  Henry was the new manager of the Marcelin Coop.  Harold was able to attend the workshop at

Menno Industries.  Mary volunteered in the women’s craft area for many years.  Later she was hired on as a supervisor in this department.  She loved and befriended each of the “Girls” and “Kids” as she called them.  She had a heart of love for those we were struggling and helped each of them develop their full potential. 

Mary loved her family and enjoyed every time they would come to visit. She welcomed Ken, Bratt and Fred into their family as in-laws. She loved being a Grandma to Jennifer, Derek and Jessie.  Later on, she was thrilled to be a great grandma to Sophia, Brooklyn, Gianna and Liam.  She was awaiting the arrival of two more new great grandchildren this year.

Mary was an amazing neighbor and friend to all who knew her.  Her door was always open no matter what.  She was hospitable, friendly, kind, accepting and a great listener.  This continued for her entire life in Waldheim, and she left this world loved and respected by all who knew her.  She loved people of all ages, from the youngest to the oldest.  She had a beautiful heart and a calm caring way about her.    She could talk with anyone and make you feel like you were the only person who mattered at that point. 

Mary struggled with various health issues along the way including some very major surgeries on her heart and joints.  Mary remained peaceful and accepted her limited mobility with grace.  She was so grateful for Henry helping her in so many ways around her home!  They were a great team and took care of each other. 

Mary and Henry enjoyed going for coffee everyday with friends from town.  They welcomed people at the door for our Senior’s events.  She kept the home fires burning while Henry was busy volunteering and helping in our community.  Mary was indeed the wind beneath his wings.

Throughout their years in Waldheim Mary and Henry were very active. They loved celebrating birthdays and anniversaries together with others.  They enjoyed good food, good friends, and good conversation.  Mary was a hugger, and her heart of love always was evident.  Henry and Mary celebrated their 67^th anniversary in November of 2019 with a surprise party for them in the back room of Sandyanna Restaurant in Waldheim.  It was overflowing with friends and neighbors who loved them both.  

It was very difficult for Mary when Henry was diagnosed with cancer in December of 2019.  She remained a loving, kind and caring wife who worked hard to keep him comfortable and let him know how very much she loved him.  She was there to support him until the end.  It was a sad day and very hard time when Henry passed away on April 25, 2020.

With God’s help, Mary continued bravely on without Henry by her side.  It was evident she missed him deeply, but she was grateful and carried on a day at a time.  She enjoyed listening to the Gaither’s and many speakers and special music on the Miracle Channel. She found God’s encouragement and peace through these times of contemplation. 

Mary moved to Pineview last February.  She was grateful for the good food and great fellowship she experienced.  She was thankful for Waldheim friends who lived there, and of course made new friends.   She spoke with great joy about Amos…the chaplain.  She could talk to him about anything.  She loved his Bible Studies and the wonderful music that he played.  We are deeply grateful for the encouragement and support that Amos gave to our in her last year of life. 

Mary faced her final illness with courage and peace in her heart.  She was thrilled to have all her children and family together with her five days before she passed away.  She had visits with friends in Saskatoon and Rosthern hospitals.  She knew her time was coming and shared her love and goodbyes with all who came.

On the evening of March 17, 2022, Mary peacefully passed from this world with her daughter Jane at her side.   She was 89 ½ years old.    We know she was welcomed into Heaven and is back home with her beloved Henry and son Harold, her parents and others who went before.  It was her greatest wish that all her children and family will also join her in Heaven someday. 

Mary Loewen – our loving Mom, special Grandma, and dear friend!  

You were the best and will be forever loved and missed

Memorial Donations may be made in

Mary’s name to the charity of your choice.

VIEWING

Waldheim Jubilee Center

3005 2nd Ave W, Waldheim, SK

Wed. March 23, 2022

1:00 – 1:45 P.M.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

Wed., March 23, 2022

2:00 P.M.

at Waldheim Cemetery

Arrangements entrusted to Funk's Funeral Home, Rosthern, SK (306)232-5245