Mary Zacharias (nee Loewen)

1923 – 2005

Peacefully on May 18, 2005 at Salem Home, Mary Zacharias passed away at the age of 81 years.

She was predeceased by her husband Henry M. Zacharias (2000), son, Henry Grant, grandson Wesley Ryan and twin great grandchildren Michael and Brendan Funk.

Remaining to cherish her memory are 6 daughters, Marie and Arnold Funk, Magdalene and Abe Funk, Ann and Jake Reimer, Elsie Wolfe, Betty and Larry Dyck, Erma and Ken Klassen; 2 sons, Dan and Diana Zacharias and Dave and Judy Zacharias; 22 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Mom was born to Jacob and Margaret Loewen on Sept. 2, 1923.  She graduated from Elim Bible School and was baptized upon the confession of her faith before she married her life partner on July 25, 1946.  They were blessed with 54 years of marriage till Dad went to be with the Lord on May 21, 2000.  Mom left a strong testimony of her life and faith in Jesus Christ.  In her own words, “A verse that has become real to me we find in Ephesians 1:7.  ‘In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sin, according to His riches of His grace.’  I thank the Lord for saving me and my prayer is ‘that I might walk worthy of the Lord, unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.’  Colossians 1:10.”

Mom was a prayer warrior who spent much time on her knees praying, reading her Bible, reading Christian material and listening to Christian radio broadcasts.  Mom had the deepest desire to see her children and her grandchildren walk with the Lord.  We remember her strong commitment to her marriage and family and she encouraged us to follow that example.  Her trust and dependence on God was evident throughout her battle with cancer and again when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.  She continued to smile through the tears and even though she had few memories she could share with us, Mom took every opportunity to say “I love you” right until the time she could no longer speak.

Mom enjoyed her work in the Church as a Sunday School teacher, in Ladies Aide and working together with Dad as Deacon Couple.

Mom had a special gift for gardening.  She specially loved to share the things she grew.  We would seldom leave home without taking something with us – either fruit or vegetables or one of the beautiful roses that she had a special touch for growing.  Her generosity was not shared only with her children.  Many times visitors would leave with a trunk full of apples or she would can her produce and send it to Union Gospel Mission.  In winter, she spent countless hours knitting slippers, scarves and afghans, many of which she gave to her children and grandchildren or sold at craft sales together with Marie.

The years she worked at the Morden Hospital as a Health Care Aide were special years for Mom.  She loved working with the staff and patients.  She saw her job as a way of serving the Lord by serving others.  We will dearly miss our Mom but we rejoice in having the assurance that she is enjoying eternity with Christ and we know as Christians, we will meet her again in heaven someday.

Funeral service was held on Sunday May 22, 2005 at the Morden E.M.M. Church with Vic Funk, Lawrence Klassen and David Friesen officiating.  Interment followed at the Eigenhof Cemetery in Gretna, MB

As family, would like to thank the staff of Salem Home for the loving care given to Mom.  Thank you to everyone for the prayers, cards and flowers.  Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated.

If friends so desire, donations in honor of Mary Zacharias may be made to Back to the Bible Broadcast Box 10, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2G2.

Wiebe Funeral Chapel, Morden in care of arrangements.