Mary (Marie) Harder (nee Giesbrecht)

Obituary

Mary (Marie) Harder age of 90, of Steinbach, Manitoba, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Steinbach, MB.

She is survived by her sister Rose, her five daughters: Elma, Alice, Minnie (Jim), Violet, Brenda (John) and her four sons: Arthur, Dennis, George (Simone), Lawrence, along with 20 grandchildren, 36 great-grand- children and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

She is predeceased by her three brothers, six sisters and her daughter Angela.

Mary was born September 13, 1927 into a large family. She grew up in the Southern Manitoba area where she had various jobs including many years at Granny’s Poultry. She was married in Steinbach and started a large family of her own. Her children have fond memories of camping trips and road trips. Mary cared deeply for family and could always be relied on, no matter what was asked. Other family, especially her grandchildren, always had a welcoming place to spend their time, furnished with warm smiles, a stocked fridge and a new jig saw puzzle that could always use an extra set of hands.

Mary’s interests included reading her bible nightly, puzzling, where no puzzle was too big or too challenging, Chinese Checkers, where she was an absolute master, Skip-Bo, and above all, playing and especially winning her favorite card game, Seven Hallow. Sunday’s after attending church, she could often be found surrounded by family members, enjoying any one of her favorite games.

In her later years, Mary suffered a number of serious illnesses and a few injuries, but she was able to bounce back from them. Her determination in fighting her way back to health was an inspiration to her family, who all would agree she was a tough lady. After 90 years, Mary left this earth to join her beloved daughter Angela in heaven.

The family would like to thank the all the staff at the Bethesda Regional Health Center for their care, and compassion that was shown to our mom.

Please join us for Mary’s memorial service and reception on Friday, February 23, 2018 at 2:00pm at the Steinbach Evangelical Mennonite Church, 422 Main St, Steinbach, MB.

In lieu of flowers, please free to donate to the Steinbach Evangelical Mennonite Church, 422 Main St, Steinbach, MB, R5G 1Z5 or a charity of your choice.