Mary Reimer

Mary Kornelsen Reimer was born December 14, 1934, to Abram U. and Katharina Friesen Kornelsen near Kleefeld, Manitoba, Canada. She passed away on Friday, August 25, 2023, at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre, in Steinbach Manitoba, twelve days after a debilitating stroke.

In 1948, Mom, along with her family, traveled by train as they moved to Chihuahua, Mexico. She lived there for approximately nine years. We often heard her reminiscing about helping in the homes of her married siblings or other relatives.

On April 14, 1957, Mom was united in marriage to Cornelius W. Reimer. To this union were born four sons and four daughters. Eleven months after their wedding, Mom and Dad started out by train again when making the move to Spanish Lookout, Belize. Therefore, trains, for most of her life, meant separation from family and friends. Life in Belize was not easy for her, as she was often sick, and they lived with much religious confusion.

Eighteen years later after selling off their possessions at an auction sale, Dad and Mom set out to move the family to the USA for a time. Alas, at the border they were denied entrance. Being they were Canadians, they had the option to travel through the USA to Canada. They were permitted to board a bus, arriving in Canada on August 1, 1976. To Mom, this move was a homecoming. She was soon feeling much better. Approximately two years after moving to Canada, Mom and Dad were baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. She went back to an experience she had with God at age fourteen.

After Dad passed away in July of 2014, Mom continued to reside in Rosenort, Manitoba, before moving to Nova Scotia for three years. In September 2020, Mom moved to Steinbach, Manitoba, residing in Maplewood Manor.

Mom was well known for her friendly smile, and her favorite treat was a strawberry milkshake from McDonalds. At the age of 88, Mom would still knit baby blankets, hem dresses by hand, and complete 1000-piece puzzles. Playing games with her children, grandchildren, and friends was a highlight. She also loved to sing and read the Messenger. Her faith and the church were precious to her, and she remained faithful to the end.

Those left to cherish many fond memories are children Ike and Nadine Reimer, Tina and Patrick Andries, Frank and Wilma Reimer, Martha Goossen, and Eric Goossen, Ruben Reimer, and Mildred Reimer, Sara and Edwin Morales, Elma and Evan Penner; daughter-in-law Delores Reimer; twenty-two grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; two sisters: Linda Friesen and Susie Plett; three brothers: Joseph Kornelsen, Abe Kornelsen, John Kornelsen, and their families, as well as numerous extended family and friends.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, her parents, son Menno, three grandchildren, six sisters, and three brothers.

We as a family deeply appreciate the kindness and care shown to her by the staff at Maplewood Manor and Bethesda Regional Health Centre.

A visitation viewing will be held from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at Crossings Funeral Care, as well as one hour prior to the service. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, August 31, 2023, at the Rosenort Church of God in Christ Mennonite in Rosenort, Manitoba. Followed by a burial in the church cemetery, as well as a reception lunch. Sharing of memories will take place at the church following the reception.