Maria (Mary) Sawatzky, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with family by her side on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at the age of 78.
Mary was born in Kleefeld, Manitoba. She met the love of her life, Bill Sawatzky, and married him at the young age of 17. Together they farmed in Manitoba for 14 years before moving to Chilliwack, BC in 1965. They lived in town for eight years before moving to a hobby farm in Greendale (Blueberry Hollow) where they stayed for 20 years before retiring to Sardis in 1993.
Mary enjoyed her flower garden, sewing, baking, various crafts and spending time with family and friends. Mary was a gifted homemaker and seamstress. Her family and friends benefited greatly from her generosity and hospitality. She will be dearly missed.
Mary is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, William (Bill) Sawatzky; her five children: Shirley (Brian), John (Carol), Janice (Elmer), Janette (Ernie) and Steve (Dedra); 12 grandchildren: Samantha (Brandon), Jennifer, Sarah, David, Shawn, Robin, Charlene (Wayne), Trenton (Jessica), Theresa (Matt), Paul, Samuel and Grace; two great-grandchildren: Lacey and Cody; step-grandchildren: Paul (Jessica), Scott, Rod (Ruth), Gary (Lori), Stan (Wendy) and their children; extended family, Emile and Carolyn and their children, Ryan and Breanne; brother, Herman (Margaret); sister Tina (Henry); brother-in-law, Bernie and sisters-in-law Lena and Betty and many nieces and nephews.
Mary was predeceased by her parents, Jacob and Maria Schapansky; brothers: Abe and Jake; sister, Margaret; and brothers/sisters-in-law: Mary (Peter), Margaret (Frank) and Aaron.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff and volunteers at Eden Care Centre for their loving kindness shown to Mary during her stay there.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at Greendale First Mennonite Church, 42369 South Sumas Rd, Chilliwack, BC. If so desired, in lieu of flowers a memorial donation may be made to Mennonite Central Committee (MCC BC), Box 2038, Abbotsford, BC V2T 3T8.