Mary Warkentin (Unger)
November 9, 1927 - January 7, 2021
Tribute
Mary (Unger) Warkentin was born on November 9, 1927 in Coaldale, Alberta to H.J. and Anna Unger, the third daughter in a family of six surviving children. The Ungers moved to Black Creek, BC in 1934 and continued farming. Mary received Jesus into her life at the age of nine and was baptized in Black Creek itself on August 19, 1945 into the Black Creek M.B. church. She based her conversion on Isaiah 55:6, ‘All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned everyone to his own way, and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.’ In the summer of 1952, John Warkentin came to Vancouver Island looking for work and attended the Black Creek church. After John went back to the mainland, Mary received a letter from him and they began to correspond. Mary and John were married on November 16, 1952 in the Black Creek church by John’s father, the Rev. G.P. Warkentin, and moved to Abbotsford, BC. Mary and John became loving parents to five children and ran a poultry farm. After some years they gradually retired, moving to town in the Monte Vista house, and then the apartment at Park Place in 1987. Mary enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren, going camping with the family, road trips, baking, knitting, crocheting, reading, and gardening, and was involved in the church where she taught a class of adults with special needs. John passed away in 2003. Mary moved to the Tabor Manor in 2016 and the Cottage in 2018. On January 7, 2021, at the age of 93, Mary was in the presence of family when she passed away and went to be with her Lord, due to sudden medical complications.
Mary was predeceased by her parents, husband, two brothers, and two sisters.
Mary leaves behind her sister Elfrieda, brother-in-law Don, sister-in-law Selma (Walter), brother-in-law George (Shirley), sisters-in-law Raija and Gerry, five children, 16 grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren. ‘Children’s children are a crown to the aged’ Proverbs 17:6.
Mary is dearly missed by her friends and family, including Ron & Bette: Marty, Damon, Matt; Judy & Chris Coleman: Jonathan, Daniel, Shannon; Dan & Berni: Steven, Janice, Carissa; Lydia & Lorne Haak: Richard, David, Justin, Kellie; Alan & Linda: Chris, Donna, Pat, Haedyn, Cloey, Quyntyn, Dyllyn.
A video of the service, officiated by Dan Warkentin, including details for a memorial on Zoom, will be posted on the Clearbrook M.B. Church website. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Multiply (formerly MB Mission).
Condolences
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From: Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home
Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Steven D. Warkentin
Relation: My Grandmother
I remember talking with my Grandma after my Grandpa had been gone for about 5 years. She liked to visit with other widows who were lonely and were looking for support. They had asked her how she got by without Grandpa. I remember so clearly what she said, “I have Jesus in my life. He hears me. I talk with him and he hears me.” She commented on how some of the ladies snickered. She told me she didn’t worry too much about that. She knew he was alive in her and she lived in that peace. She aksed me how they could get on without having him in their lives. She loved all of the family so much. Sometimes when I was with her visiting, she would show me her list of how she was praying for all of her family. She had a calendar with everyone’s birthday on it. My grandmother was changed by Jesus her Lord. He was so real to her and has been such an inspiration to all of us. This was truly someone who had been transformed by the very real love of God. I have no doubts that she is being blessed in the presence of God, her very heart’s desire. We miss you and are so proud of the life you lived in obedience to Him. I am sure he is even more proud of you than all of us are.
With much love and affection, Steven, Kelsey, Jacob and Elise Warkentin.
From: Jessie Klassen
Relation: Friend
I lived at Park Place with Mary for many years. I still remember her husband John. It was so nice to have visits with her after I moved out. She would gather all the ladies together for a visit when I came out to visit my husband’s graveside after I moved into independent living. God Bless you all.
From: Jennifer (Hooge) Stein
Relation: Friend of family
She was always such a kind and thoughtful person! I grew up going to the same church as the Warkentin family. She was always looking out for others. I so much appreciated her loving care.
From: Ed & Anita Klassen
Relation: Friend
Our condolences to Ron, Dan, Judy, Lydia and Alan. Your mother was always a kind and gentle soul. She will be missed but we rejoice with you that she is in Heaven with her Savior whom she served so well.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
Date & Time:
January 12, 2021
Beginning at 11:00am
Location:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A5RHy8P1L06mm-x_nOX6PMrlHM4IDmPK/view?usp=sharing
Memorial Gifts
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Multiply (formerly MB Mission).
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered directly through our supplier for delivery throughout the entire lower mainland, from Hope to Vancouver:
Wiebe & Jeske Funeral Home
202-31314 Peardonville Rd.
Abbotsford BC
V2T 6K8
info@wiebeandjeskefh.com
604-859-5885
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the address/phone number of the delivery location for handy reference.
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