Mary Thiessen, 1929 - 2010
Mary (Froese) Thiessen passed away December 5, 2010 at age 90. She was born to Abram Froese and Katherine Janzen. In 1926, the family emigrated from Orenburg, Russia to Canada and settled near Tofield, Alberta. In 1946, she married Nick Thiessen. They farmed and started their family in Vauxhaul, Alberta. In 1955, the lure of homestead land in the Peace River Country brought them to DeBolt, Alberta, where they raised five children and cared for foster children. Mary had a passion for vegetable and flower gardening, the produce and beauty of which she willingly shared. She graciously accepted the total strangers that Nick often brought home for dinner. She had a strong and practical faith, demonstrated by numerous acts of kindness and generosity. Her earthy wisdom, unassuming nature and loyalty to family and friends, provided a quiet stability for those around her. In 1994, Mary and Nick moved to Chilliwack, BC where they enjoyed the fellowship of neighbours and friends at the Greendale MB Church. In 2007 they moved to Abbotsford. She spent many hours making quilts, sewing for MCC and enjoying time with family and friends. She dearly missed Nick after he passed away April 24th, 2010. Mary is lovingly remembered by her children; Stephen (Vange), Victor (Judy), Violet (Rick) Chappell, Janice (Owen Kavanagh), Edward (Anne) Thiessen; thirteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three brothers and two sisters. A memorial service will be held at the Greendale MB Church, 6550 Sumas Prairie Rd., Chilliwack, BC on Saturday, December 18th, at 1 pm. Donations to MCC gratefully accepted.