Mary Froese (nee Ratzlaff) went quietly into the arms of her precious Jesus on August 26, 2015 at Cascade Hospice, Chilliwack at the age of 88. Mary, our Grandma Honey, your Auntie Mary, was born February 3, 1927, in Drake, Saskatchewan. That same year the family moved to Dunrae, Manitoba where they lived for 12 years. In 1939 Mary’s family; parents, Henry and Katharina Ratzlaff along with siblings Hank, Anne, Jake, Peter, Tina, Lydia and Ernie, moved to Yarrow BC. In December 1942 Grandma Honey married Grandpa Eddie (A.J. ‘Ed’) Froese. Together they had one son Harold “Cactus” Froese. Throughout her adult life Auntie Mary served others; volunteering at Red Cross, helping refugees, and teaching Sunday School for 50+ years at Chilliwack Alliance Church. Mary worked first at Cascade Foods in Yarrow, then Clearbrook Frozen Foods and finally at P & E Builders in Chilliwack. She had many adventures with Ed and “Young Street Vocal Band”, singing on radio and in the church choir. She loved her prayer groups, her beautiful yard and her very precious neighbors, family and friends. Grandma Honey cherished her many trips to California to see her family – especially her five great grandsons. Mary’s greatest legacy is that she was a prayer warrior, always remembering her family, friends and those in need. Mary Froese (Grandma Honey, Auntie Mary) is lovingly remembered by her son Harold Froese and his wife Claudia; grandchildren Stacy Froese Borchardt and her sons Drew, Mitch and Luke Borchardt and Leslie Froese Loewen, husband Scott and their sons Evan and Max Loewen; her siblings and their families and her many friends she thought of as her “adopted” family, both here and in California. Mary was predeceased by her husband A.J. “Ed” Froese and brothers Jake and Hank Ratzlaff. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, September 18, 2015 at Chilliwack Alliance Church, 8700 Young Rd, Chilliwack. The family extends a special “Thank You” to the very special staff at Cascade Hospice for their gentle care and compassion. Memorial donations may be made in Mary’s name to Chilliwack Alliance Church designated to Children’s Ministries. Online condolences may be offered at www.woodlawn-mtcheam.ca
Woodlawn Mt. Cheam Funeral Home, 45865 Hocking Ave, Chilliwack BC V2P 1B5 604-793-4555