WESTERGREEN, Mary Anne
Posted: May 14th, 2022
WESTERGREEN
Mary Anne (Wiens) Westergreen passed away Mother’s Day at the Chinook Regional Hospital.
Mary was predeceased by her husband Frank Robert Westergreen, her parents Annie & Henry Wiens, her brother Jake Wiens, her sister Anne Harrington, and her twin sister Dolly (Agnes) Renner.
Mary is survived by her daughters: Janet Voth (Bob), Brenda Zdyb (Stan) all of Coaldale, her grandchildren Charlene Voth, Matthew Voth both of Lethbridge and Chantel Rosenthal (Kevin) of Edmonton, Lindsay Zdyb (Jeff) and Ashleigh Zbyd (Jason) all of Lethbridge. She is also survived by her greatgrandchildren, Calee Parkins (Brayden) of Lethbridge, Marcus Allison and Arayah Dawn Voth both of Edmonton. She is also survived by one brother and two sisters and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary was born in Swift Current, SK and later relocated to Alberta. She met her husband Frank when they both worked for Doc Tenney in the Warner area. Frank and Mary lived in several different locations due to Franks work requirements but spent most of their married life in Coaldale.
Mary eagerly anticipated the arrival of each new grandchild and great grandchild, each held a special place in her heart.
Mary went to work for Bill Beattie at the Greyhound grill, she worked there for many years and eventually owned and operated this as Marys’ Place. Charlene and Chantel were mini waitresses in training and loved helping Grandma. Mary made many lifelong friends there and employed many of her family members. After Marys’ retirement, she moved to an apartment and managed the 10-unit complex, she formed many friendships there.
Mary was an amazing cook, no one ever left her home without being well fed. She sewed clothes for her family and if there was anything that needed to be patched, she was on it. Franks’ work clothes, Stans’ jeans, kid’s toys, and Charlene’s beloved “Copper” the dog. Bob and a friend Erika both had well-loved monkeys that received a whole new set of clothes.
Mary sewed prom and wedding dresses for others in the neighborhood. She sewed cabbage patch dolls for her grandchildren customizing them as requested. She sewed animals of all kinds. She was the Queen of recycling and repurposing; she was a practical woman, and nothing ever went to waste. Many family members woke to find creations in their flower beds or on their front steps, this was Mary’s way of sharing her special touch.
Mary loved camping and often camped with her siblings, she loved to take her grandchildren with her, nothing was ever too much work when it came to her family.
If you visited Mary there would often be a puzzle in progress on her kitchen table, she played solitaire looking out her dining room window to watch the neighborhood kids travels and antics. These kids made out like bandits at Halloween as she prepped bags weeks in advance. Disney movies and special treats were bought in anticipation of grandchildren’s’ sleepovers. No chores for grandchildren at Grandmas house, and Grandmas taxi service was always available, the meter was never on. Lindsay and Ashleigh were chauffeured to school whenever grandma worried about the weather.
Mary was always so happy to help her family in any way and loved to babysit the grandchildren. She welcomed her grandchildren’s friends into her home as well.
Mary loved Stampede wrestling and was a very vocal fan! She shared this passion with her dad.
Mary treated the grandchildren to trips to Bonanza, Zellers, and Humpty’s. Mary would often turn up in Magrath with ice cream and watermelon on ice in her trunk. Mary LOVED to drive and drive she did: to Bingo, Walmart, Zellers. Road trips to Magrath, Taber, Brooks and Waterton were not uncommon, and she usually had little co-pilots with her. In her later years she often drove twice a day to have a lunch and supper at Humpty’s the staff all knew her well, and she made many friends there.
Marys’ life showed her to be a hard worker, she was made of tough stuff, a loving and nurturing person. She had a quick smile, laughed easily, welcomed visits and was always willing to help anyone in need. Mary loved people and made many friends over the years. She loved her family above all else.
About 5 years ago Mary developed Dementia/Alzheimer’s and moved to the Sunny South Lodge in Coaldale where she resided until her passing. While the dementia stole bits and pieces of her away, her strong spirit and quick smile remained, she was always so happy to have visitors.
Mary’s family is very appreciative to Tricia of TC Care who provided Mary with hours of companionship and interactions this past year.
Mary and her family are forever grateful for the AMAZING care provide to their whole family by all the staff at Chinook Regional Hospital on Unit 4B.
A graveside service will be held May 16, 2022, at 2 pm in the Field of Honor at Mountain View Cemetery in Lethbridge. Anyone who wishes to attend is most welcome. In memory of Mary there will be a supper at Humpty’s at 4:30 pm.
Flowers are gratefully declined, hug someone you love today, share a memory of Mary.
To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com