Mary Sawatsky
Obituary
Mary Sawatsky was a beacon of light, love and joy to all who were blessed to know her. Born on February 2, 1940, in Winkler, Manitoba, to John B. and Anna Sawatzky (nee Hiebert), Mary’s journey on this earth came to a peaceful close on October 13, 2025, in Morris, Manitoba. Her life, a testament to the beauty of simplicity and strength of spirit, was marked by deep devotion to her faith, family, and community.
Mary’s faith in Christ was the cornerstone of her existence. She was baptized upon the confession of her faith on May 23, 1961. Belief that Jesus is King both guided her actions and soothed her soul, blessing her with a life filled with love, spiritual comfort, and kindness. She leaned heavily on her faith upon the passing of family members over the decades, especially during the passing of her brother Cornie in 2014.
Mary was a lifelong student of the “school of hard knocks” where she learned the value of doing the best job you could until the job was done, a value she passed on to her children. Her work history was as diverse as it was rich, with her hands cultivating the soil as a strawberry farmer, steering the wheel of a tractor-trailer unit, and guiding the young as a school bus driver. She further employed her wide variety of talents as a caterer, community center caretaker, cook, farm hand, bus factory worker, and baker. “Strawberry Mary” was known throughout the area as a hard worker with a diverse range of skills well-developed through much experience and determination.
During her recreational time, she found profound joy in cross stitch, knitting, fabric painting and other creative pursuits, pouring pieces of her heart into every creation. She loved God’s creation too: Mary’s love for gardening was evident in the vibrant flowers that adorned her yard, symbolic of the beauty she cultivated in her life and the lives of others. She found great joy in acting in skits for both community productions and the Red Hat ladies group, with the delight she brought others warming her heart more than people knew. Her physical strength served her well during her younger years, being well-known for her softball pitching and even winning an arm-wrestling trophy at the Shannon Festival. In fact, one of her favorite childhood memories was playing baseball with her brothers and cousin.
Mary devoted much of her life to her children and grandchildren. She taught her children many life skills – how to cook and bake, garden, care for animals or run a tractor – and was very proud of her children’s accomplishments as they became adults. Later, as Barbara, John and Jim started their own homes, their visits brought her immense joy. Her face would light up when telling stories of her grandchildren, be it the latest adventure on her go-cart or a shared Lego building project. She built a home and yard that was much more than a collection of trees, flowers and buildings; it was a place where her family could gather to create lasting memories. The home she created was and still is a sanctuary. Mary’s light-hearted approach to life was often seen in how she would gently tease those she loved. Her door was always open to friends and neighbours, their visits often accompanied with a listening ear, a cup of coffee and a bite to eat – just as her own Mother had always done.
One of the paintings Mary created declares that “The time to be happy is now; The place to be happy is here”. Indeed, she found joy or created it in every circumstance she could, even when life brought significant difficulties. Hymns would often be heard playing on her radio or television, and many witnessed her encouragement to walk with Christ. She prayed each day that her family and loved ones would follow Jesus to walk in truth and faith.
Mary is survived by her children, Barbara (Shane Pitts), John (Liza Breyfogle), and Jim, and her grandchildren, Jennifer, Aaron, and Amanda. She is also survived by her sister Katie (Jake), brother Peter (Mary Ann), sister in law Ruth, and their families. Mary also leaves her adopted son in law Jeff McIntyre. She was predeceased by her parents and three brothers, Abe, John and Cornie.
The family would like to give heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Red River Valley Lodge for the tender, loving care they gave to Mary during the past three years.
As we celebrate the life of Mary Sawatsky, we are reminded of the power of a life well-lived; a life that nurtured and brought joy to everyone it touched. Mary’s time with us here may have come to an end, but the echoes of her love and the imprints of her caring will continue. She has left us a call to live fully, love deeply, and laugh heartily. Mary’s life was anchored in faith, hope, and love. Her toil is now done and she rests in the arms of her Saviour.
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” ~ Psalm 73:26
The funeral service will be held Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the Lowe Farm Bergthaler Church at 2:00pm.
Public viewing will be held Friday, October 17, 2025 at Morris Funeral Home from 12:00pm to 7:00pm and at the church prior to the funeral service.
Burial will take place at the Kronsweide Cemetery.
