Mary Viola Dettweiler was born March 3, 1921 near Breslau, Ontario to Isaiah and Lucinda (Bechtel) Dettweiler. She was the second oldest in a family of eight living children - four girls and four boys. Mary's parents loved the Lord and as a young girl Mary asked Jesus Christ to be her Saviour and worked for Him ever since. As a young lady, Mary trained as a nurses' assistant and worked in Ontario. She spent a year in Voluntary Service (VS) in a home for unwed mothers in Washington, DC. While home from VS, Mary was picking fruit in the same orchard as John Sayer, an Alberta farmer. He picked out a "Peach" and after a long distance courtship he suggested they start their own family tree. They were married Oct 24, 1953 and Mary moved to the Sayer home farm west of Carstairs, Alberta. She soon became known as a friendly, hospitable neighbour. John and Mary raised their three children Nancy (Johnson), Charlotte (Stace) and Melvin on the farm. John and Mary gave their children a stable and happy home. Active in their community church, West Zion Mennonite Church over the years, Mary taught Sunday School, worked with WMSC and had a open home for anyone needing a place to go. She also volunteered with the Didsbury Auxiliary and Meals on Wheels. She was always ready to offer a hand if she knew of someone in need, and many people will remember her for a kindness she gave. Mary always enjoyed gardening, growing enough for her family and to share with others. She took delight in each grandchild and has always been involved in their lives as well as faithfully praying for each one. In August 1999, John and Mary made their home in Sunrise Village, Olds. They have made many new friends and it wasn't long before Mary again shared her love with those around her through her kind words and loving gestures. Mourning her loss are many friends as well as her husband John; children, Nancy (Stephen) Johnston, Charlotte (Greg) Stace, Melvin (Priscilla) Sayer; grandchildren Aaron (Rausheen), Roland, Shannon, Janna, Marissa, Luke, Allen, Angela, Charlotte and Melody; siblings, Harold (Margaret) Dettweiler, Ward (Beatrice) Dettweiler, Clarke (Ruth) Dettweiler, Ruby (Silvin) Roth, Norma Dettweiler and brother-in-law Laverne Good (and sister-in-law Joyce Dettweiler)*; brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard (Lillian) Sayer, Clare (Jane) Good, Alberta Cressman and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents, sister Margaret Good, and brothers Glenn (1989) and David.
From Funeral Service Bulletin - *slightly edited (addition of missing name).
From Funeral Service Bulletin - *slightly edited (addition of missing name).
Mary Viola Dettweiler was born March 3, 1921 near Breslau, Ontario to Isaiah and Lucinda (Bechtel) Dettweiler. She was the second oldest in a family of eight living children - four girls and four boys. Mary's parents loved the Lord and as a young girl Mary asked Jesus Christ to be her Saviour and worked for Him ever since. As a young lady, Mary trained as a nurses' assistant and worked in Ontario. She spent a year in Voluntary Service (VS) in a home for unwed mothers in Washington, DC. While home from VS, Mary was picking fruit in the same orchard as John Sayer, an Alberta farmer. He picked out a "Peach" and after a long distance courtship he suggested they start their own family tree. They were married Oct 24, 1953 and Mary moved to the Sayer home farm west of Carstairs, Alberta. She soon became known as a friendly, hospitable neighbour. John and Mary raised their three children Nancy (Johnson), Charlotte (Stace) and Melvin on the farm. John and Mary gave their children a stable and happy home. Active in their community church, West Zion Mennonite Church over the years, Mary taught Sunday School, worked with WMSC and had a open home for anyone needing a place to go. She also volunteered with the Didsbury Auxiliary and Meals on Wheels. She was always ready to offer a hand if she knew of someone in need, and many people will remember her for a kindness she gave. Mary always enjoyed gardening, growing enough for her family and to share with others. She took delight in each grandchild and has always been involved in their lives as well as faithfully praying for each one. In August 1999, John and Mary made their home in Sunrise Village, Olds. They have made many new friends and it wasn't long before Mary again shared her love with those around her through her kind words and loving gestures. Mourning her loss are many friends as well as her husband John; children, Nancy (Stephen) Johnston, Charlotte (Greg) Stace, Melvin (Priscilla) Sayer; grandchildren Aaron (Rausheen), Roland, Shannon, Janna, Marissa, Luke, Allen, Angela, Charlotte and Melody; siblings, Harold (Margaret) Dettweiler, Ward (Beatrice) Dettweiler, Clarke (Ruth) Dettweiler, Ruby (Silvin) Roth, Norma Dettweiler and brother-in-law Laverne Good (and sister-in-law Joyce Dettweiler)*; brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard (Lillian) Sayer, Clare (Jane) Good, Alberta Cressman and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents, sister Margaret Good, and brothers Glenn (1989) and David.
From Funeral Service Bulletin - *slightly edited (addition of missing name).
From Funeral Service Bulletin - *slightly edited (addition of missing name).
Family Members
Spouse
See more Sayer or Dettweiler memorials in:
- West Zion Mennonite Cemetery Sayer or Dettweiler
- Carstairs Sayer or Dettweiler
- Calgary Census Division Sayer or Dettweiler
- Alberta Sayer or Dettweiler
- Canada Sayer or Dettweiler
- Find a Grave Sayer or Dettweiler
