Mary Bergen was born December 16, 1932 in Arnaud, Manitoba to Jacob and Margareta Friesen.
She was the middle child of a family consisting of six girls and one boy. Mary passed away in the St. Boniface Hospital on January 27, 2020.
She is survived by her husband John, son Don (Myrna) and daughter Janice Thiessen (Dave); four grandchildren, Timothy (Brooke), Matthew (Elya), Luke (Jana-Lyn) and Nicole (Micah); four siblings, Peter (Nettie), Kathy, Nita and Sally.
She has very fond memories of her childhood and growing up years. Mary grew up in a Christian home and felt the love and concern of her parents. Her first 9 years of school were in Arnaud and then she attended M.C.I. in Gretna.
In 1951 she was baptized on the confession of her faith at the Arnaud Mennonite Church by Bishop John Bueckert and became a member of the Arnaud Mennonite Church. Here she attended Sunday School, Youth, sang in the choir and was a member of the sewing circle.
In 1955 she and her sister went to Winnipeg to look for work. They both were fortunate to get a job at the Canadian Wheat Board. They started with filing and posting and later worked as typists. Mary enjoyed her work very much.
It was in Winnipeg were she met John and they were married October 25, 1958. They had two children, son Don married Myrna Falk and have they two sons, Matt and Luke, and daughter Janice married Dave Thiessen and they have son Tim and daughter Nicole. Mary always looked forward to spending time with her family.
In 1960 John and Mary joined the Sargent Avenue Mennonite Church. Here she taught Sunday School, Girl’s Club, was a member of the Mission Verein for many years and they were part of the Adult Friendship Group.
Mary enjoyed travelling, reading, knitting and various other crafts. She also enjoyed volunteering at the Thrift Shop, Kingsford House and with a group called SOWERs (Servant on Wheels Ever Ready). SOWERS gave her and John the opportunity to serve at camps, churches and other Christian organizations.
A funeral service for Mary will be held 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 31, 2020 at the Sargent Avenue Mennonite Church, 296 Garfield Street, Winnipeg, with viewing prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cancer Care.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Mary Bergen Friesen Monday January 27th 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba