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 hardship, loss of loved ones, war and famine, her faith in God sustained her. She enjoyed her work of drafting blueprints in Zaporozhye. She married 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 hospitality, and work. She was a member of South Abbotsford 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.