Riediger, Mary Klassen (1909-2000)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2001 Jan 05 p. 28

Birth date: 1909 Jan 14

text of obituary:

MARY RIEDIGER

Mary Riediger of Tabor Home, Abbotsford, B.C., passed away Nov. 5. She was bom Jan. 14, 1909, the first child of Johann and Katharina Klassen, in Barwenkovo, Ukraine. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Gussarrowka. Her mother died of typhus, leaving Johann to raise 5 children. He married Maria Holzrichter, Katharina's sister; one more son was bom. They ran a sunflower seed oil mill, and the children helped with the work. Mary attended school for only 5 years due to her family responsibilities. She faithfully attended Sunday school and sang in the church choir. She sang in a trio with sisters Sara and Katie. She knew she needed to make a commitment to Christ, but did not do so until the night the family left for Moscow to immigrate to Canada. In 1930 they arrived in Manitou, Man. She worked as a housemaid for local farmers. In 1931 they moved to Morden, Man. She and Sara moved to Winnipeg to work to help support the family. In 1932 she was baptized and joined the MB church in Winnipeg. In 1947 she moved with her parents to a raspberry farm in Arnold, B.C. In 1948 she began work in a sewing factory in Vancouver. In 1951 she moved back to Arnold. In 1956 the family moved to Clearbrook, B.C. Mary enjoyed working at Hooge's Dry Goods Store. She married William Riediger Mar. 10, 1968. They travelled a lot and had a happy marriage. Bill died in 1981 of a heart attack. She kept herself busy sewing for MCC and being there for family. In 1992 she moved to Tabor Home. Church was important to her. She joined MB churches in Winnipeg, Arnold, Vancouver and Clearbrook. Her mission field was her home; she expressed her love by serving her family. She prayed daily for each family member. Her understanding of the Bible and trust in Christ were evident in her daily walk. Predeceased by William, she is mourned by stepchildren William and John; 3 grandchildren; and 1 brother. The memorial service was held Nov. 10 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Peter J. Klassen, Eldon DeFehr and Peter Dueck ministering.