MARY KLASSEN (nee Braun) beloved wife of John, passed away peacefully at home on February 26, 2010.

Mary was born on September 23, 1928 in Osterwick, South Russia, the fourth child of Johann and Maria (Paetkau) Braun. She and her mother and siblings immigrated to Canada in 1948 after much hardship in Russia and Germany. After living briefly in Saskatchewan, the family moved to Coaldale in April 1949. Mary married John, her partner for life, on May 27, 1951 and they farmed together in the Coaldale area for almost 50 years.

The welfare of her family, both physically and spiritually, was very important to Mary. She was a very resourceful person, and enjoyed sewing, gardening, and handwork.

Mary is now safely in the arms of her Heavenly Father. She will be missed by her loving husband John and their children Linda (Lorne Owen), Charlotte (George Klassen), and Bev (Keith Moyer). Also mourning her passing are her grandchildren, Geoff and wife Paula, Rachel, Kristen, Jenna, and Dana; her siblings Helen, Elizabeth, Jake and John; and many in-laws and nieces and nephews. Mary was predeceased by her parents, her grandson Chad (in infancy), two brothers, her parents-in-law, and several brothers-in-law.

Interment will be held at the Coaldale Cemetery (Mennonite section) on Tuesday, March 2 at 1:00 pm followed by a Memorial Service at 2:30 pm at the COALDALE MENNONITE CHURCH, 2316 - 17 St., Coaldale.

Memorial donations may be made to Grassroots Assistance in Rural Development (gard) for water projects in Uganda. A special thank you to Mary’s doctor, the nurses, the therapists, and the home care aides who so faithfully attended to Mary’s needs over the many years of her illness.

Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone (403) 381-7777. E-mail: care@cornerstonefh.ca