Tribute

LOEWEN (DRIEDIGER) Marie Ruth, loving mother and grandmother and lifelong love of husband Peter, died peacefully at age 94. On May 12, 2022 she passed to her eternal home with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ while a resident of Menno Hospital in Abbotsford, BC. Marie was born to the family of Jacob and Susanna (Dyck) Driediger, June 2, 1927 in Watrous, Saskatchewan. The family immigrated to Canada with extended family from South Russia in 1923.
Marie formed a friendship that blossomed into love with Peter E Loewen and the two wed on June 23, 1946. A decision to move to BC came after a trip to the Fraser Valley of BC to find work in the berry fields the following year. They settled down in Abbotsford to raise a family and enjoy the balmy west coast weather. Marie and Peter made farming their way of life until the late 1960’s. In 1968 Peter transitioned to other business activities for health reasons.
Marie gave birth to the first of four baby boomer sons, Melvin (Mel), in 1948. Leslie (Les) followed in 1953, Stanley (Stan) in 1955 and James in 1964, completing the home.
Marie was a beautiful woman and created beauty around her. She took pride in her flowers and gardening, set beautiful tables for her frequent family meals, knitted, sewed and crocheted many lovely items. In later years she took painting lessons and delighted in creating art. She saw the better side of life in the good she could do as a wife, loving and caring mother, friend of many, talented cook and welcoming hostess. She was a tireless volunteer in her community and church. Peter and Marie made their faith central to their lives and lived to honour the Lord Jesus.
Marie was pre-deceased by husband Peter in 2011, and two daughters-in-law: Marilyn (wife of Mel) in 2008, and Edie (wife of Les) in 2021. Marie leaves her sons Mel (Indygo) of Calgary, AB; Les of Crofton, BC; Stan (Audrey) of Abbotsford, BC; and James (Corinne) of Nice, France. She also leaves 12 grandchildren, and 10, soon to be 12, great-grandchildren.
A Memorial service is planned for May 24th, at the Bakerview Church in Abbotsford BC at 1:30pm. A family interment will be held before the service at the Maclure Road Mennonite Cemetery.
The family wishes to express gratitude to the staff at Menno Hospital for their compassionate care over the last year and a half.