Mrs. Mary Kolbeck
February 2, 1925 - February 23, 2018

Mary Barbara (nee Hetzel) Kolbeck of Bethany Pioneer Village in Middle Lake, formerly of Lake Lenore, passed away peacefully at her residence on Friday February 23, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. Mary was born on February 2, 1925, to Rupert and Katherine (nee Wackerbauer) Hetzel in Lake Lenore, SK. She obtained her education at Bright Valley School. Following her education, she like many women of that generation, stayed home to help with domestic and farm chores. On August 7, 1945, she married Louis Kolbeck at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church in Lake Lenore. Together, they worked side by side on their mixed farm. Mary wasn’t afraid of hard work and willingly tackled any duties necessary. They were blessed with a daughter, Phyllis in 1951. She loved the outdoors and all the animals on their farm, with cats being her favorite. Mary and Louis enjoyed going to dances, playing cards and spending time with friends & family. One of her favorite pastimes was decorating wedding cakes. She also spent many hours in her large vegetable and flower gardens.

In 1973, she and Louis moved from the farm to Lake Lenore. They continued to grain farm from town. In later years, Mary found much enjoyment sitting outside in her flower garden, watching birds, reading and visiting with neighbours. Her family might have been small, but when her grandchildren Paula, Andrea and Christopher arrived, she enriched their lives with much love and cherished memories. When the great grandchildren came, she was delighted to take on the name of “GG” (Great Grandma). Mary spoiled everyone with their favorite items such as homemade bread, elephant ears, Christmas dressing, and Danish apple pie to name a few, but it is agreed by everyone that her homemade kettle chips were the best! If you were a regular visitor at Mary’s, you would know which drawer had the stash of treats. Mary was very true to her relationship with God, walking to daily mass no matter what weather conditions prevailed.

On February 19, 2015, Mary moved to Bethany. She participated in many of the activities there, very much appreciated all the visitors she received, and loved all the attention she got from the staff. Mary was a very gentle woman who never complained and was loved by all who knew her. She was known by the staff at Bethany by “Miss Mary” or “Grandma”. When the staff called her by those names, her face would light up with happiness. It is very fitting that she went to her eternal resting place during Lent which is represented by the color of purple, her favorite color. Mary will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her only daughter Phyllis (Beryl) Bauer of Lake Lenore and three grandchildren and four great grandchildren: Paula (Hal) Hoffman of Edmonton and children Zachariah and Isaiah, Andrea Bauer (Chad Roberge) of Edmonton and Christopher (Candice) Bauer and children Logan and Luke of Lake Lenore; sister-in-law Carol Hetzel, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Louis, her parents Rupert and Katherine Hetzel, sister Rose Weiland and her husband George, and her brother Martin Hetzel. A Funeral Mass was held on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. from St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Parish Lake Lenore. Celebrated by, Fr. Anthony Atter. Interment followed at St. Anthony’s R.C. Cemetery Lake Lenore. Memorial donations in Mary’s memory may be directed to St. Anthony’s Parish Upkeep or Bethany Pioneer Village.

 

This notice placed courtesy of
Malinoski & Danyluik Funeral Home
Phone: 682-1622