Mary Toews
Obituary
Mary Anne Toews (Suderman) passed peacefully into the arms of her beloved Saviour on the 25th of July 2026. She was predeceased by her parents Aron and Annie Suderman, husband Gerald Toews, brother Dick Suderman and sister-in-law Rose McDougall, brothers Peter and John Suderman, brother-in-law Peter Unger, brother-in-law Wilhelm Stassen, father and mother in-law John F. and Annie Toews, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Kay and Bill Buhler, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Johnny and Ellen Toews, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Peter and Simone Toews, brother-in-law Albert and cherished grandson A.J.
Mary is survived by her children and grandchildren: Sandra Furutani (Keith), their son Jordan (Christina) and daughter Abigail; Cynthia Toews (Jason Schmidt) and their daughters Kali and Rory; and Andrew Toews (Genessa) and their son Jack, sisters Agnes Stassen, Betty Upshall (Garry), brother Robert Suderman (Gay), sisters-in-law Colette Frolick (Ron) and Lynda Suderman, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
Mary Anne Toews was born on the 13th of December to Aron and Annie Suderman, in the small, Manitoba town of Miniota. The Suderman’s moved to Friedensfeld, then settled in Silberfeld, where Mom grew up on a thriving and beautiful farm. Mom talked often through her life of her happy childhood on the farm with her six siblings. Mom thrived on the outdoor work of the farm, enjoying the barns and fields more than the housework. Nevertheless, it was in the old white farmhouse that Mom learned the beginnings of the sewing, handicrafts and baking which she perfected throughout her life.
After high school Mom went to live and work in Winnipeg, sending money back home to her family. While Mom was working at the Royal Bank she stopped by her friend Shirley’s house. It happened that Shirley’s husband had invited his friend Gerald over for the evening to help him fix a step. As Gerald used to love to say, “the step never got fixed.” Mom and Dad met that night and married two years later, on June 25th, 1966. They spent over 58 years together, building, creating and experiencing all they could together.
Once her children were born, Mary stayed home full-time for many years – and she excelled in the truest sense as a homemaker. And although she could turn her hand to many areas of cooking, baking or crafts, there were some in which she absolutely reigned – and that would especially apply to her home baked buns. But beyond these practical outworkings the real wonder was the welcome which people received when they walked through the door. There was always a place for one more – or several more – at her table, and all were served with love.
Nowhere was Mom’s love more evident than with her family. She was devoted to us and served us all in more ways than can be numbered or listed here. There was no act of kindness or help too small or too big. Whatever we needed, Mom would figure out how to help and then stick with us until it was finished.
For 83 years Mom lived a life of faith, and of all the gifts she gave us, this was the greatest. Her faith was unshakeable, through every storm of life she believed that she was safe in the arms of a loving Saviour; and it is a gift to us now, to know that she has seen Him face-to-face, is reunited with our Dad, free from physical limitations, and waiting for us all to join her.
The funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB. Viewing will take place prior to the service. Interment to follow the funeral at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB.
