Peacefully on July 22, 2012 Mary Friesen (nee Janzen) passed away at Rest Haven Home in Steinbach with members of her family at her side. She is survived by four sons and five daughters; Norman (Martha), Ruth (Bob), Ernie (Vi), Irene (Bernie), Ron (Dolores), Linda (George), Harv (Tracy), Irma (Jim), and Shirley; 24 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by husband Martin in 2001, daughter Erna in 1947, son Richard Allen in 1967, as well as two sons-in-law, two grandsons, and one great-grandson. Mary Friesen was born on July 9, 1918 to Peter and Tina Janzen in Herbert, Saskatchewan. They moved to Manitoba sometime within a year or so. Mom attended school in the Rosenheim School District and finished Grade 8. She loved to go to school and wanted to be a teacher. She developed a strong work ethic and worked hard all her life. She married Martin Doell Friesen on July 19, 1936. They spent their early married years working as farm labourers. In 1945 they moved to Mather, MB and Dad tried his hand at farming. Mom had a postal delivery route for a time. In 1950, they moved to the Winkler area. In 1957, they committed their lives to Jesus Christ and their lives changed dramatically. Mom became very involved in the ladies fellowship at the church and neighbourhood bible studies. In 1958, Mom and Dad moved to Altona. Mom became a Tupperware dealer. She continued as a Tupperware dealer during their time in Dominion City, and then they moved to Steinbach. Mom worked at Friendly Family Farms in the laundry department. It was a major milestone when they bought a brand new house in 1971 on Walnut Street. In 1983 they burned the mortgage. After retirement, they loved going to travelogues and took one bus trip to Pennsylvania. They also took a trip with their own car to Mexico to visit the Mennonite settlements there. They also visited Mom’s extended family in Saskatchewan many times. We sorrow, but not as those who have no hope. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, July 25, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, with interment at the Heritage Cemetery. Viewing will be at the chapel prior to the service. If friends so desire, donations in memory of Mary may be made to World Vision, 1 World Drive, Mississauga, Ontario L5T 2Y4.