Obituary of Mary (Willms) Loewen

Mary (Willms) Loewen passed away peacefully at the age of 101 years, with family by her side on Monday, October 2, 2023, at Bethesda Place Personal Care Home in Steinbach, MB.

Mary was the first child born to Gerhard and Maria (Martens) Willms on August 19, 1922, in the town of Kleefeld, Molotchna, Ukraine. In June of 1926, Mary (4) with parents, sister Helen and extended family left their homeland to begin a new life in Canada, settling in Amazon, Saskatchewan. The family would later move to Steinbach where Mary attended and completed high school. Mary moved to Winnipeg for work and to attend Normal School where she studied and received her teaching certificate. 

Mary went on to teach elementary school in Brandon until she married Albert Loewen on August 10, 1946. Mary while being a mother of five, wife of a prominent businessman, and avid gardener, found time to contribute to the church and community.  A source of great pride was derived from her time spent on the lady’s auxiliary at the Mennonite Heritage Museum. Mary loved to sing in the choir led by Albert and spent many hours in creative pursuits, such as sewing and painting. Mary spent a lot of time enjoying nature and entertaining family and friends at their family cottage at Buffalo Point.

Mary is survived by her five children: Jim (Brenda), Elenore (Sieg), Lorraine (Don), Mark (Pat) and Barb, as well as 15 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.

She is predeceased by her husband Albert, sisters Edith and Helen, granddaughter Tanaya Loewen and great-grandson Arron Dyck.

Her mind sharp and curious, her love strong and warm, her faith firm and strong held her to the end.

A Memorial Service, followed by a reception, will be held on Monday, October 16, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., at the Steinbach Mennonite Brethren Church, 340 2^nd Street, Steinbach, MB. 

A private family interment will take place prior to the Memorial Service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made, in memory of Mary, to a charity of your choice.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Fernwood Place and Bethesda Place Personal Care Home for their loving care, respect, and friendship.