Thiessen, Mary Penner (1911-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2001 Oct 26 p. 24

Birth date: 1911 Jul 18

text of obituary:

MARY THIESSEN

Mary Thiessen of St. Catharines, Ont. passed away Aug. 4. She was born July 18, 1911 to Peter D. and Susanna Penner in Friedensfeld, Ukraine. She grew up in a loving, prosperous Christian family. In 1923 the family immigrated to Laird, Sask., where they joined the MB church. She was able to attend school for only 2 years. At a young age, she found peace with Christ through the ministry of C. N. Hiebert and 1 Pet. 1:18,19. Romans 5:1 was also important to her. She was baptized July 6, 1930 by Jacob Janzen, joining Laird MB Church. In 1941 she moved to Ontario. In 1943 she married George Thiessen, a widower with 4 children. They farmed for 11 years near Virgil, Ont. and joined Virgil MB Church. In 1956 they moved to St. Catharines, joining Scott St. MB Church. George died July 31, 1985. She made afghans and quilts for church and friends. She enjoyed flowers, reading and doing handwork. She spent her last years in Tabor Manor, alive in her faith and showing good humour. Predeceased by George, son Irvin, 3 sisters and 2 brothers, she is mourned by children Sam of London, Ont., Allen of Bowmanville, Ont. and Mabel Kramer of St. Catharines; 13 grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great grandchildren; 1 sister and 1 brother. The funeral was Aug. 8 in Scott St. MB Church, with Albert Friesen ministering.