Tribute

Mary is lovingly remembered by her 3 daughters, their families, friends and neighbors. Debi (Randy Derksen), Jesse and Danae Derksen, Jordan; Bev, Quinn, Silas and Nate Solomon; Lisa (Tim Gareau), Sharayah and Lauryn will miss her dearly! Mary is survived by her beloved sister Martha Janzen, and brother Ed (Tiena) Giesbrecht. She will also be missed by her many nephews, nieces, friends and neighbors for her lively friendship, undaunting spirit, prayers and musical passion.

Mary was born near Waldheim, Saskatchewan on a blizzardy Christmas Eve…in the farm house her 9 other siblings and parents (David and Anna (Janzen) Giesbrecht) lived (until Edwin showed up to make 11 children…Add One!). Growing up, she developed a passion for the piano (starting on a pump organ!) and dreamed of becoming a concert pianist. After giving her life to Christ in high school, she decided to marry a young handsome man who wanted to make his life as a teacher. They both decided, after a 2 year stint in Mexico, that they would go to Bible College and make good their intention to join MCC and take the opportunity to pastor a Cheyenne Mennonite Church in Hammon, Oklahoma for 10 years. It was here she was appropriately given the Cheyenne name “Washeek”, which means “happy woman”. Perhaps because she was enjoying raising her two young daughters (long waited for!) and teach music and singing to the children in the little Hammon church.

As they moved to Saskatoon where their third daughter, Lisa was born (Mayfair Mennonite Church), Winnipeg (Church of the Open Door) and lastly to Abbotsford/Texas (retirement), she brought her love of Jesus, grandchildren, piano and travel with her wherever she went. Many were inspired by her willingness to get involved with women’s groups, play for individuals and groups, share music on a radio show, saw her many photos and cards on the walls and shelves from friends and family near and far and experienced being listened to and prayed for no matter how she was feeling that day. She especially loved Sundays, to go to church and see friends and worship together or watch her favorite Bible teaching programs. She was constantly learning and growing in her Christian faith asking deep questions and enjoying fellowship with friends.

Sadly she had to say goodbye to her love, Norman, in May of 2020, after 67 years of marriage and for the next 5 years spent her time reading, writing, being part of a Tenant Committee in her building, as well as playing piano for Bible Studies and Sing a Longs in her building (Tabor Manor). After battling breast cancer the last months of her life, she stepped into God’s love with full healing, restoration and joy of reunion with her loved ones on July 27th, 2025 cared for and surrounded by her family and hospice staff.

We deeply and truly thank all who came to visit and care for mom in her last weeks and days, for the Holmberg House Hospice (Abbotsford) staff and doctors, for the care we as family received by her many friends and family after her passing!

A Celebration of Life was held Sunday Aug 3, 2025 at the Tabor Manor Community Room in Abbotsford, BC. Mary’s Internment and Memorial Service will be held on Sunday Oct 12, 2025.  Interment in the Waldheim Cemetery at 2:30 pm and gathering for a Memorial time at the former Zion Church, Fellowship Room, Waldheim 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm.

Donations can be made in her memory to Life Recovery Abbotsford (liferecovery.ca), an addiction recovery program and housing for women recovering from addictions. Mary had a special place in her heart for these women in need. The donation site has a feature to click that gives instructions to donate in memory of loved ones.