At 12, Mary found peace by accepting Jesus’ forgiveness through a sermon on Zaccheus by H.S. Voth. After high school in Winkler, Man., she attended normal school and taught in Edward, Hebert, Winkler, Ridgewood, and Calder, Man. Mary’s wish to be a farmer’s wife was realized when she married Peter. She mourned a stillborn son. Mary taught Sunday school, moms’ program, ladies’ fellowship, and Pioneer Girls; joined Valley Harvest Maids; worked for United Way for 10 years; and served the MCC store and auxiliary. She read to Salem Home residents weekly for 11 years. Mary loved hosting meals and sharing her plants. In every interaction, she showed grace. Her greatest joy was knowing her children loved Jesus. Mary’s motto, based on Colossians 3:13–15, was “Live to love and you will love to live.”
