Mrs. Mary (Klassen) Willms passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, August 21, 2016, just a month short of her 91st birthday.

Mary is survived by her children John (Esther) Willms, Fred (Joan) Willms, Henry (Linda) Willms, Dave (Linda) Willms, Sharon (Dave) Bueckert, Jane Willms, Kathleen (Bernie) Willms, Allen Willms, Larry Willms, 17 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Alfred Klassen and Elfriede Giesbrecht as well as many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her dear husband Jacob, her parents Jacob and Marie Klassen, two brothers Jake and John, her sister Margaret, grandson Logan and great grandson Michael.

Mary was born September 23, 1925 in Glajanden, Russia. In December of 1929, at the age of four, she immigrated with her family to Canada. The family settled in the farming region around Coaldale where she remained for the remainder of her life.

She was a faithful and dedicated Christian who devoted her life to her church, her husband and her family and found strength, comfort and assurance in her scriptures and hymns. Mary loved music and singing which she carried into her work and play.

Mary will be remembered for her great story telling, her humour and her delicious baking. She liked to say that baking was her therapy and was always eager to provide fresh baking to anyone who was ill, grieving, or for times of celebration. Countless families were the recipients of zwiebach, meat buns, platz or cinnamon buns often baked around 5 am.

She has left so many memories and life lessons for her family and friends. We were all so blessed to have her in our lives.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 5:00pm and 7:00pm on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 St. S., Lethbridge, AB.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, August 26, 2016 at the COALDALE MENNONITE CHURCH, 2316 17th St, Coaldale, AB, with Pastor Lillian Thompson officiating.

Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee, 210, 2946 – 32 St. NE Calgary, AB, T2Y 6J7; Rock Solid Refuge, 108 Bone Creek, Shaunavon, SK, S0N 2M0; Samaritan’s Purse, 20 Hopewell Way NE, Calgary, AB T3J 5H5; Teen Challenge, Priddis, AB T0L 1W0; or to the charity of your choice.