Guenther, Mary Mielke (1922-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Jun 21 p. 28

Birth date: 1922 Apr 3

text of obituary:

MARY GUENTHER

Mary Guenther passed away Apr. 15. She was bom Apr. 3, 1922 to Fredrick and Helen Mielke in Herbert, Sask . She completed grade 8 and attended Herbert Bible School for a short time until her mother got sick. She married John Guenther Nov. 2, 1941 . They farmed near Beechy, Sask . with Mano and Tena Klassen Oohn's sister). She and Tena became strong friends. She and John opened their home to many foster children. In 1966, they adopted 3 young siblings. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother who showed interest in every aspect of her family's lives. She had a big gar- den, and cooked, canned, baked, milked cows, herded sheep, fed chickens, did the farm bookkeeping, knit- ted, quilted and played catch with the children. She was active in the ladies' aid of Beechy MB Church and the Beechy Ladies Health Care Aux- iliary for many years. They were members of the Foster Parents Asso- ciation. For the last 9 years, she depended on oxygen full-time, but never complained and was thankful for life. John cared for her until his death in April 1999. She moved to Beechy Personal Care Home Nov. 27, 2001. Prede- ceased by John and 1 brother in childhood, she is mourned by her children Audrey Ford, Shirlee Hildebrandt and Ernie Hettinger; 8 grandchildren; 1 sister and 1 brother.