Dyck, Mary Sawatzky (1908-1999)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 2000 Jan 7

Birth date: 1908 Jsn 2

text of obituary:

MARY DYCK

Mary Dyck of Richmond, B.C. passed away Nov. 22 in an accident. She was born Jan. 2, 1908 to Jakob J. and Anna Sawatzky in Alexanderheim, South Russia. When she was 2, the family moved to a new Mennonite settlement in Saratov, Arkadak. Here she received her education, developed her interest in music, found faith and was baptized in the MB church. In 1926 the family immigrated to Borden, Sask., settling in Richard, Sask. She worked in Saskatoon as a housekeeper and nanny to help support her family. They attended Mullingar MB Church. She married Jacob A. Dyck, a homesteader, Oct. 26, 1930. In 1938 they moved to Yarrow, B.C. Jake worked in construction; she picked hops and raspberries and tended her gardens. She was active in the church choir and in various women's groups. Since 1950, they lived in Vancouver and Richmond. They took care of the orphaned children of Jake's missionary brother and his wife who died in a plane accident in 1957. She willingly accepted this added responsibility and was generous, available, encouraging and supportive to all her children. Predeceased by 4 brothers and 1 sister, she is mourned by Jake; children Harold, Leonora, Vi and Ron; chosen children Roland, Rodney, Nancy and Marlene; 24 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was Nov. 27 in Fraserview MB Church, Richmond, with Dan Unrau ministering.