Mary Klassen of Steinbach passed away at Rest Haven Nursing Home on Saturday, April 25, 2009 at the age of 96. Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, was born in Muensterberg, Sagradowka, in South Russia. She was born to the family of Jacob and Mary Regehr, May 30, 1912. During the Russian revolution of November 1919 her whole family was attacked by a group of roving Machnov bandits. Her parents and their seven children, including our mother were left for dead. However, God had other plans for her life. She survived, her head wounds healed, and she went on to live, love and work. Today, a clan of some fifty call her mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was adopted into the family of her uncle and aunt, Abram and Elisabeth Regehr, becoming their oldest daughter of eight girls. They came to Canada in 1925, eventually settling in Steinbach. In 1928 mom accepted the Lord as her personal Saviour. That same year she made a public confession of her faith and was baptized and accepted into the Steinbach Mennonite Brethren Church. For 80 years she was a loyal member, loved the church family and faithfully attended. In 1938 she married David Klassen. This union lasted almost 50 years. Together they worked hard and raised five children. There were difficult times as well as enjoyable ones. We remember her as always busy, taking care of her children, working next to dad doing farm work, sewing, knitting, making dish clothes, Afghans, mittens, socks, and toques. Many people benefited from her talents and generosity as their hands and feet stayed warm in the cold weather. She lovingly made countless mittens and togues for the homeless. She was interested in the lives of her entire family. She certainly knew how to use the telephone. We knew that she prayed faithfully for us all. She was predeceased by her husband, one great-granddaughter and two sisters. She is survived by five children, 14 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and five sisters. Left to mourn her passing are Waldie and Levina (nee Unger), Martha and Harry Hildebrandt, George and Shirley (nee Gerbrandt), Abe and Ruth (nee Penner), Mary and Ben Friesen and their families. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff at Rest Haven for their dedication in looking after our mother. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 29, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Mennonite Brethren Church, 340 2nd St, Steinbach with interment at Memorial Cemetery. In honour of her, donations can be made to Family Life Network, 225 Riverton Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2L 0N1 or the Gideons, PO Box 3619 Stn Main; Guelph, ON N1H 9Z9.