MARY ANNE WESTERGREEN (née Wiens) passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Mothers Day (Sunday, May 8, 2022) at the age of 91 years.
Mary is survived by her daughters: Janet Voth (Bob) and Brenda Zdyb (Stan) all of Coaldale, grandchildren Charlene Voth and Matthew Voth, both of Lethbridge and Chantel Rosenthal (Kevin) of Edmonton, and great-grandchildren, Calee Parkins (Brayden) of Lethbridge, Marcus Allison and Arayah Dawn Voth both of Edmonton. She is also survived by one brother, two sisters and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary was predeceased by her husband Frank Robert Westergreen, parents Annie & Henry Wiens, brother Jake Wiens, sister Anne Harrington, and twin sister Dolly (Agnes) Renner.
Mary was born in Swift Current, SK and later relocated to Alberta. She met her husband Frank when they both worked for Doc Tenney in the Warner area. Frank and Mary lived in several different locations due to Franks work requirements, but spent most of their married life in Coaldale.
Mary eagerly anticipated the arrival of each new grandchild and great-grandchild; each one held a special place in her heart.
In about 1973, Mary went to work for Bill Beattie at the Greyhound Grill, she worked there for many years and eventually owned and operated this as Mary’s Place. Charlene and Chantel were mini waitresses in training and loved helping Grandma. Mary made many lifelong friends there and employed many of her family members. After Mary’s retirement, she moved to an apartment and managed at ten-unit apartment building, and she met many friends there as well.
Mary was a great cook; no one ever left her home without being fed. She sewed to clothe her family, and if there was anything that needed to be patched, she was on it. Frank’s work clothes, Stan’s jeans, kid’s toys, Charlene’s beloved “Copper” Dog. Bob and a friend Erika, both had well-loved monkeys that received a whole new set of clothes.
Mary sewed prom and wedding dresses for others in the neighborhood. She sewed cabbage patch dolls for her grandchildren, customizing them as requested. She sewed animals of all kinds. She was the Queen of recycling and repurposing, a practical woman. Many family members woke to find creations in their flower beds of on their front steps, because she thought they would look good there!
Mary loved camping and often camped with her siblings. She loved to take her grandchildren with her; nothing was ever too much work when it came to her family.
If you visited Mary, there would often be a puzzle in progress on her kitchen table. She played solitaire looking out her dining room window to watch the neighborhood kids’ travels and antics. These kids made out like bandits at Halloween as she prepped bags weeks in advance. Disney movies and special treats were bought in anticipation of grandchildren’s’ sleepovers. There were no chores for grandchildren at Grandmas house, and Grandmas taxi service was always available; the meter was never on. Lindsay and Ashleigh were chauffeured to school whenever grandma worried about the weather.
Mary was always so happy to help her family in any way and loved to babysit the grandchildren. She welcomed her grandchildren’s friends into her home as well.
Mary loved Stampede wrestling and was a very vocal fan! She shared this passion with her dad.
Mary treated the grandchildren to trips to Bonanza, Zellers, and Humpty’s’. Mary would often turn up in Magrath with ice cream and watermelon on ice in her trunk. Mary LOVED to drive and drive she did: to Bingo, Walmart, Zellers. Road trips to Magrath, Taber, Brooks and Waterton were common, and she usually had little co-pilots with her. In her later years, she often drove twice a day to have a lunch and supper at Humpty’s. The staff all knew her and she made many friends there.
Marys’ life showed her to be a hard worker, she was made of tough stuff, a loving and nurturing person. She had a quick smile, laughed easily, welcomed visits and was always willing to help anyone in need. Mary loved people and made many friends over the years. She loved her family above all else.
About five years ago, Mary developed Dementia/Alzheimer’s and moved to the Sunny South Lodge in Coaldale where she resided until her passing. While the dementia stole bits and pieces of her away, her strong spirit and quick smile remained. She was always so happy to have visitors.
Mary’s family is very appreciative to Tricia of TC Care who provided Mary with companionship and interaction this past year. Mary and her family are forever grateful for the AMAZING care provide to their whole family by all of the staff at Chinook Regional Hospital on 4B.
A Graveside Service will be held in the Field of Honour in MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY, 1210 Scenic Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, May 16, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. Anyone who wishes to attend is most welcome.
In memory of Mary, supper will be held at Humpty’s, 205 Scenic Drive South, Lethbridge, AB at 4:30 P.M.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Instead, hug someone you love today and share a memory of Mary.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Westergreen Mary Anne December 16 1930..
Death notice for the town of: Lethbridge, Province: Alberta