Bandsmer, Mary Thiessen (1908-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Jul 12 p. 26

Birth date: 1908 Jul 15

text of obituary:

MARY BANDSMER

Mary (Mika) Bandsmer of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Jan . 1. She was born July 15, 1908 to Abram and Anna Thiessen in Einlage, Chortitza, Ukraine. Through years of hard - ship, loss of loved ones, war and famine, her faith in God sustained her. She enjoyed her work of drafting blueprints in Zaporozhye. She mar- ried Otto Bandsmer Nov. 4, 1936, They fled to Germany in 1943, came to Canada in 1948 and settled in Abbotsford, where they bought a farm. Everywhere she went, she made friends. She loved singing, reciting poetry, showing hospital- ity, and work. She was a member of South Ab- botsford MB Church and later King Road MB Church. Otto died Jan . 8, 1991. She continued to live on the farm for several years, then moved to Tabor Manor; her last year was at Tabor Home. Predeceased by Otto, she is mourned by son Rudy; 3 grandchildren; and 1 brother. The memorial service was Jan. 7 in King Road MB Church, with Robert Thiessen and Heinrich Loewen ministering.