MARIE JOSE NIWA

1928 – MARIE JOSE NIWA – 2023
Marie (Mary) José  Niwa (nee Lijdsman) passed away peacefully with family by her side on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, in Medicine Hat, AB. Though she always hated the phrase, Mary was an inspiration to those who knew and loved her.
Mary was born in Empress, AB on March 20, 1928, to Frank and Leotine Lijdsman. Raised in Bindloss, AB she had a very happy childhood. Mary graduated from Holy Cross Hospital School of Nursing in 1951 and was immensely proud of her work as a nurse, something that she found great fulfilment in throughout her life.
In June 1952, Mary married Dennis Joseph Niwa, settling at the farm in Acadia Valley, AB. Together, Mary and Den raised six boys. Mary and Den had a happy home full of laughter, love, hard work, and with six rambunctious boys, the occasional trip to the hospital. Mary had many friends in the community, including her dearest friend, Bonnie Crocker. Mary often expressed that there was never a better friend than Bonnie and their over 50-year friendship was exceptionally meaningful to her. Mary’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Bonnie for her friendship, kindness, and support of Mary until the end.
In 1991, Mary and Den retired to Medicine Hat, and enjoyed sharing meaningful time with their sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and friends. Mary’s greatest joy and pride was her family. She was a grandmother like no other, and each of her grandchildren will fondly remember special times spent with her, long talks, and many laughs. Mary always had time for her grandkids and in her later years, adored being a “GG” to her great-grandchildren.
Mary greatly enjoyed volunteering in her community and her faith was of great importance to her: she was proud to have been a dedicated member of the Catholic Women’s League for over 70 years.
Mary had a larger-than-life personality, loved to talk, and get to know people she was never short of friends, stories, or advice. She lived every day with great enthusiasm, humour, positivity, and determination. Mary and her “crooked finger”, will be deeply and forever missed.
Mary is survived by her six sons, Greg (Doris), Rod, Darold (Lynn), Michael (Bernice), Bruce, and Gord (Laurie); her grandchildren, Lindsay (Kris), Katie, Kendra (Brett), Tyson, Braden, Joshua, and Jake; great-grandchildren, Parker, Maddie and Luna; sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Lijdsman and Rose Niwa; very special family members, Janice Niwa, Ashly Niwa and Sydney Kincaid; as well as her large extended family of nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Den in 2001; her loving grandson, Brandon in 2020; brothers, Gerry and John; and sisters Helen and Frankie.
The Niwa family would like to thank the staff, nurses and doctors who supported her care at Masterpiece, and St. Joseph’s.
Prayers will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 20th, 2023, at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1 Dunmore Rd SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5. The funeral mass will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, January 21st, 2023 at HOLY FAMILY PARISH, 1451 Strachan Rd SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4V3 with Fr. Philip Le, Celebrant. Interment will take place June 16, 2023, at Saints Peter and Paul Church, Acadia Valley, AB.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to celebrate Mary’s life are encouraged to donate to the Niwa Family Fund c/o the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta, (430 6 Ave SE, #104, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 2S8 or online via https://cfsea.ca/). Through the Niwa Family Fund, donations support the greatest needs in the community including the Brandon Niwa Legacy Fund (“The Beej Project”) at the Medicine Hat College and will help us to keep Mary’s memory alive for years to come. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Marie Niwa. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to

SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL
CHAPEL CREMATORIUM &
RECEPTION CENTRE,
“The Chapel in the Park
#1 Dunmore Road SE,
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5
(403)528-2599
www.saamis.com
inquiry@saamis.com
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CGR Holdings Ltd.