Willms, Mary Martens (1896-1977)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1977 June 10 p. 31

Birth date: 1896 Dec 03

text of obituary:

MRS. MARY WILLMS

(Mrs.) Mary Willms was born in Kleefeld, Russia on December 3, 1896 to Abraham and Anna (Baerg) Martens. At the age of 18 years she experienced personal salvation and was baptized. In 1921 she married George Willms, also of Kleefeld, and their union was blessed with three daughters. Since times were very difficult in Russia, the Willms emigrated to Canada in 1929, settling in Watrous, Saskatchewan. In 1939 they moved again to Steinbach, Manitoba, Mrs. Willms' home until her passing on April 29. She was truly the heart of the family and home, a warm and generous person, never asking much for herself. She made everyone welcome. Plants were a hobby for her and she loved flowers and growing things. She appreciated the church and took part in the Ladies Fellowship for many years. She had a real concern for the spiritual welfare of her family.

On April 19 Mrs. Willms entered the Concordia Hospital in Winnipeg for an operation. Although at first it appeared that she was improving, she suddenly collapsed on April 29 and went to be with her Lord. A funeral service was held on May 2 in the Steinbach Mennonite Brethren Church, with pastor Jake Falk officiating.

She leaves to mourn her husband, George; three daughters , Mary (Mrs. Albert) Loewen of Steinbach, and Helen (Mrs. John) Siemens and Edith of Winnipeg; two sisters, Helen (Mrs. Frank) Wiens and Katy (Mrs. Jake) Wiens; one brother-in-law, Jacob Thiessen; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many friends and relatives.