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 (John'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 garden, and cooked, canned, baked, milked cows, herded sheep, fed chickens, did the farm bookkeeping, knitted, quilted and played catch with the children. She was active in the ladies' aid of Beechy MB Church and the Beechy Ladies Health Care Auxiliary for many years. They were members of the Foster Parents Association. 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. Predeceased 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.