Obituary of Marianne Louise (Harder) Enns

July 18, 1945 - May 7, 2026

To view the livestream of the service, please CLICK HERE

Passed away peacefully at Hospice Waterloo Region. Lovingly remembered by her husband Edward, children Robert (Alison) and Thomas (Kelly Chatterson). Proud grandmother to Liam, Adrienne, Sadie and Lila. Beloved sister to Waldo Harder and Ron Harder. Predeceased by parents Abram and Catherine (Fransen) Harder, and brothers John Harder and Helmut Harder.

Marianne was born in Vineland, Ontario on July 18, 1945, during the middle of cherry harvest. She grew up on the family fruit farm on John Street between Vineland and Beamsville.  She attended Maple Grove elementary school, Eden Christian College in Virgil, Ontario, and Beamsville District High School.  She then studied history at the University of Waterloo, graduating in 1967. Marianne lived in the Conrad Grebel College residence from the first year it opened, making lifelong friends and indelible memories. She enjoyed being a student, research, listening to lectures and more. Excelled in this area.

Edward and Marianne married in 1967 and moved to Winnipeg. While Edward completed his studies at Canadian Mennonite Bible College, Marianne found work in the Winnipeg Public Library system. The year 1968 found them both studying at the University of  Toronto; Marianne in a library science program. Her first job as a newly minted librarian was in the public library in Windsor, Ontario.

After a few years, son Rob was born and the young family moved to Burlington to be closer to relatives. Soon, son Tom was added to the family. Marianne joined the staff of the Burlington Public Library where she had a fulfilling career until retirement.

In her youth, Marianne was baptized and became a member of Vineland United Mennonite Church. Edward and Marriane joined Hamilton Mennonite Church in 1972. Forty-seven years later they moved to Waterloo, Ontario and joined Stirling Avenue Mennonite in Kitchener.

In addition to parenting and work, Marianne found time to be a piano accompanist, quilter, volunteer church librarian, cook,  baker and gardener.   She loved time with her grandchildren.  She became passionate about family history, enlisting the help of relatives to research and write her grandmother Fransen’s immigration story. She enjoyed many friendships. In later years she and Edward traveled widely, frequently with friends Ron and Kaye. Marianne and Kaye were the trip choreographers, while Ron and Edward accepted their roles as drivers!

Special thanks to the staff of Ontario Health at Home and Hospice Waterloo Region. This team of caregivers has been very special.

At Marianne’s request there will be no formal visitation. The Memorial Service will be held at Waterloo North Mennonite Church, 100 Benjamin Rd., Waterloo on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 4 p.m.  A reception will immediately follow the service in the church hall for a time of fellowship and to share fond memories of Marianne.

A livestream and recording of the funeral service will be available on Marianne’s tribute page at www.erbgood.com.

In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family or donations to Silver Lake Mennonite Camp may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or at www.erbgood.com.