Mary Klassen died Apr. 25, 2009 at 96. She was born May 30, 1912 in Muensterberg, Sagradovka, Russia to Jacob and Mary Regehr. In 1919, the Regehr family was attacked by Makhno bandits and left for dead. Mary survived and was adopted by her uncle and aunt, Abram and Elisabeth Regehr, becoming the oldest of their 8 daughters. They came to Canada in 1925, settling in Steinbach, Man. Mary accepted the Lord as Saviour in 1928, was baptized, and became a member at Steinbach MB Church where she continued to attend for 80 years. In 1938, she married David Klassen. Mary was always busy, taking care of her children, working next to David on the farm, sewing and knitting. She made countless mittens and toques for the homeless. Mary was interested in the lives of her entire family, prayed for them, and used the telephone to keep in touch. Predeceased by David, one great-granddaughter, 2 sisters; Mary is mourned by Waldie (Levina), Martha (Harry) Hildebrandt, George (Shirley), Abe (Ruth), Mary (Ben) Friesen; 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 5 sisters.
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