Obituary of Mary Reimer

MARY T. REIMER (TOEWS) Passed away peacefully at Pembina Place Mennonite Personal Care Home, in Winnipeg, on December 27, 2013. She is now resting in the loving arms of her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Mom will be greeted in heaven by her beloved husband, Wally Reimer and their infant son, Henry Walden. Left to remember Mom is her daughter Helene (Tim) Green, Mississauga; son Paul (Brenda) Reimer, Calgary; daughters Judith (Vic) Warkentin and Margaret (Jeff) Harasym; Winnipeg. Grandchildren Lora and Neil Peters, Andrew Reimer, Paul Warkentin and Stephen Harasym will all miss their Omi very much. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Ruth Edwards in Kitchener-Waterloo. Mom was born on June 21, 1925 in Osterwick, Russia to Cornelius and Maria (Klassen) Toews and immigrated to Canada in 1926. Mom's family settled in Waterloo, where she attended and graduated from KCI in Kitchener. Mom was baptized upon her confession of faith, in 1945, at W-K United Mennonite Church. In 1952, Mom and Dad were married and over the next 50 years, she devoted her life to supporting him in his professional career and taking care of her family. Soon after they were married, they moved to Vancouver where their first child, Henry Walden was born. Sadly he died 3 months later, a heartbreak that was never forgotten. By 1954, Mom and Dad moved to Winnipeg where Helene and Paul were born. In 1959, Mom and Dad moved back to Waterloo to be with family and had two more children, Judith and Margaret. Not only did Mom lovingly raise their four children and manage the home, she also helped with Dad's business, had several stay-at-home jobs and was a tireless volunteer. Mom's door was always open to anyone who wanted to drop in for a visit. She was the consummate hostess, holding many parties for friends and business colleagues. She was a devoted daughter and niece, nursing and caring for her mother and uncle until their deaths. Church played a very important role in Mom's life. She was involved in Women in Mission, choir, social events, and a wide variety of other committees and activities. Mom hosted many members of visiting choirs, conference attendees and guest speakers. Mom was actively engaged and willing to be involved whenever and wherever her gifts were needed. Mom was one of the founding members of the Inter-Mennonite Children's Choir of Waterloo and worked diligently on its success. Faith and family were the focus of Mom's life. She gave her time and love to both. As a result of Wally's failing health, Mary and Wally moved to Winnipeg in 2001 to be closer to Judy and Margaret. During this time, cherished friendships from their earlier time in Winnipeg were rekindled and many new friendships were formed, especially in her new community at Bethel Place and Bethel Mennonite Church. After a couple of falls and hospital stays, Mom found peace and comfort at Pembina Place where she had lived for the last 2 years. There she was treated with love and respect and even though Mom needed to be cared for herself, her ability to love and care for others was boundless. The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Pembina Place Mennonite Personal Care Home, for their love and care of our Mom. In keeping with Mom's wishes, cremation has taken place, and Mom will be laid to rest in Waterloo with her mother, father, husband and infant son. A memorial will be held in the Fireside Reception Room at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo on Monday January 6, 2014 from 6 - 9 pm with Remembrances at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family and donations to the Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba or the Mennonite Central Committee may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.