Mary (Wiebe) Bueckert

Mary (Wiebe) Bueckert of MacGregor, Mb. passed into the presence of her Savior at Third Crossing Manor in Gladstone on February 9, 2023.

She grew up in the Altona area as the oldest daughter in a family of ten children.  They moved onto a small farm when she was thirteen, but made a big move to a larger farm near MacGregor when she was sixteen.  It was here that the family was introduced to the Westend Community Church (known as the Bergthaler Mennonite at that time), and Mary was baptized.  She never tired of telling that story. 

In her early twenties, she spent five years working as a nurse’s aid and training others at the General Hospital in Winnipeg, but came home whenever she could.  She got to know Ernie Bueckert through youth committee meetings at church.  She felt that he was the godly farmer she had prayed for, so they were married on July 22, 1962.  Their five children were born during their years of farming at MacGregor.  In 1972, they purchased a farm North of Austin where they lived till, they retired to MacGregor in 2016.

In the early years at Austin, Mary often worked alongside Ernie on the farm, but as the boys got older, they gradually took over.  Mary’s passions were always God, family, church, and people.  She was a visionary with a dogged determination and a strong faith in God.  She wasn’t always the fastest getting started in the morning, but she wasn’t afraid to burn the midnight oil, often till well past midnight.  She was not one to give up, even when all odds were stacked against her.

Mary was devoted to her family and friends, and to all her relatives near and far, but her caring went far beyond that.  She always noticed those who were alone, who had a need or didn’t fit in.  For years she made up many cookie plates and gift packages for people in the community who might not have anyone to celebrate with at Christmas.  It was also not uncommon for newcomer families to be included in her family gatherings. 

Over the years, Mary served on various committees in the church, taught Sunday school, VBS and Bible classes (in the school).  In the 1970’s, she was a leader in starting the MCC Thrift Store in Austin.  In 1979, Mary and Ernie were very involved with sponsoring Lao refugees.  Khamlang and Daovy lived in their home for two months when they first arrived and they became part of the family. 

In 1951, after taking the children to Portage Christian Academy for two years, Mary and Ernie started Austin Christian Academy in their home.  Mary took leadership in the school and taught there for fourteen years.

In the years that followed, Mary had numerous surgeries, but she still always fond ways to be involved with people whether family or distant relatives, neighbors or newcomers to Canada.  She taught English as a second language to several newcomers.  She also managed to keep on gardening, sometimes recruiting help. 

Mary was always a strong supporter of missions, and in her later years, the list of ministries that she supported just kept growing.  She never wanted to miss any event, whether it was a wedding, a funeral or just a regular church service.  She was very faithful in reading her Bible and praying for the needs of people she knew and ministries she loved.  She made a great effort to keep connected with people and spent many hours on the phone or writing letters. 

After her first stroke in May 2020, Mary made an amazing and unexpected recovery.  However, Ernie and Mary did increasingly need more help after that.  They lived at Victoria Place in MacGregor for a year, then were cared for in their home for a time before moving to Third Crossing Manor in Gladstone last September.

In spite of increasing challenges brought on by dementia, Mary remained positive and continued to enjoy life, always ending a conversation or a visit with, “The Lord be with you!”

Last Thursday morning, several hours after she had another major stroke, she had her best morning ever, when Jesus called her to her eternal, heavenly home!

Mary was predeceased by her parents and two brothers.  She will be greatly missed by her husband of sixty years, Ernie; daughter Wanda and Wilf Sawatzky, Matthew, Natasha, Patrick and Alanah (Bailey), Brianna and Carsyn (Adelynn, Lilja), Brittany, Destiny, Adrian, Vanessa; son Richard and Mary Lou, Renae and Michael, (Bennett, James), Clinton, Colin; son Gary and Sarah, Wynona and Jeremy Loseth (Linnea, Declan, Arber), Logan and Alicia (Sawyer, Bentley), Shania and Matthias Mierau, Drew; son Terrence and Gail, Madison and Malachi Boucher (Amos), Riley, Lauren; daughter Sharon and Dave Dyck, Chester and Reynell (Elizabeth, Lindy, Alice, Sophia), Courtney and Nick Riemer, Caleb and April (Olivia), Cody, Clayton and Cheyenne (Bronwyn, Joel); chosen family Khamlang and Daovy Vongnaranth, Mary and Rom (Liam, Tyler), David.  Also survived by three sisters, four brothers, numerous in-laws, and countless friends.

The family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to all who showed their love and support through Mary’s illness and in the days since her passing 

May the Lord be with you!

Clarke's Funeral Home of MacGregor in care of arrangements.