Mary Schmidt (Manja) died June 14, 2011 at 91. She was born Sept. 15, 1919 in Alexander-krone, Russia to Abram and Maria Toews. When Mary was 14 months, her mother died. Her father married Helena (Janz) who became the mother she knew and loved. The family immigrated to Canada when Mary was 7, settling on a farm in Coaldale, Alta., in 1927, free to live their faith. Mary was not able to attend high school as her help was needed on the farm. Mary sang in the church choir and attended Bible school with Bill Schmidt. They were married Mar. 18, 1943. After farming in Coaldale 12 years, they moved to Hillsboro, Kan., where Bill earned his BA and MA. Afterward, Mary, the consummate hostess, served many in the pastorates in Kitchener, Ont., and Winnipeg. Moves to Vancouver, Germany, and Abbotsford, B.C., followed. Her last year after Bill died was difficult. Her family will miss her beautiful smile. Predeceased by Bill, Mary is mourned by children Leona, Loreen, William, Lillian; grandchildren; great-grandchildren.
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