Siemens, Mary Dyck (1908-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2001 Jul 13 p. 23

Birth date: 1908 Feb 21

text of obituary:

MARY DYCK SIEMENS

Mary Siemens of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away May 9. She was born Feb. 21, 1908 to Peter and Elizabeth Dyck in Aliessovo, Orenburg, Russia, the youngest of 15 children. Her mother died when she was 10 months old and her father when she was 14. She described her childhood as happy and enjoyed being with her siblings. It was hard to be shifted to various homes of her older siblings. She received special treatment from her stepmother. In 1924 she accepted Christ and was baptized. Her faith became staunch and did not waver. In 1926 she immigrated to Winkler, Man. with some of her siblings. She enjoyed singing in the choir. She married Peter Siemens Nov. 27, 1927 in Colonsay, Sask. Peter was manager of Excel Farms in Superb, Sask. In 1934 they moved to Rabbit Lake, Sask., where Peter built a flour mill and then managed a Red & White store. They moved to Coaldale, Alta. and to Strathmore, Alta. in 1944. Here they built and ran a garage. In 1951 they moved to Abbotsford. They founded Hub Motors in 1954. She was a prayer warrior to the end, praying for all family members by name. She was healthy most of her life but was deaf. During her last years, she lived in silence, but sang during her daily devotions and could still carry a tune. As a mother, she was a hard worker. She sewed all her children's clothes. A keen gardener, she grew vegetables and flowers. She was a people person who loved entertaining family and friends. She was jovial. She excelled in her role as wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She baked buns and peroshki and made vereniki for the family well into her 80s. She lived at Tabor Manor for a few years and spent her last year at Hallmark Assisted living. She was hospitalized Apr. 30. At one point, she said, "Heaven will be beautiful." Predeceased by Peter, she is mourned by children Sue Dirks, Peter, Al, Welma Pankratz, Walter, Vern, Jake, Betty Nissen, Don, and Louella Siemens; 29 grandchildren; 56 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held May 12 in Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, with Peter J. Klassen and Eldon DeFehr ministering.