Mary Letkeman

Mary Letkeman (née Olfert)

Mary Letkeman (née Olfert), of Brandon, Manitoba, passed away peacefully at Brandon Regional Health Centre on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 1:00 a.m., with her family lovingly gathered at her side.

Mary was predeceased by her parents, Herman and Elisabeth Olfert (née Thiessen); her husband, Peter Letkeman; and her siblings Elisabeth (Betty), Anna, Katherine, Jacob, Isaac, Helena, and John.

She leaves to cherish her memory her three sons and their families: Lorne and Kathy, Lloyd and Carol, and Leon and Elaine; her grandchildren Brandon (Sofie), Kayly (David), Benjamin, Kenzie (Tyson), and Kristen (Daniel); and her great-grandchildren Theo, Luis, and Violet. She is also lovingly remembered by Arthur and Adele Harder and their children Lia, Noah, Tiago, Maya, and Jason; her sister Sally and brother-in-law John Letkeman; her brother Herman Olfert; and her sister-in-law Betty Wolfe.

Mary was born at Winkler Hospital, the eighth of ten children born to Herman and Elisabeth Olfert of Blumenstein, Manitoba. She attended grades one through eight at the local Blumenstein school, where her love of reading was already evident. At the age of 18, she left home for Winnipeg, eager to complete her high school education. Following her Grade 12 graduation, Mary worked for the Canadian Red Cross until her marriage to Peter Letkeman in 1964.

Shortly after their marriage, Peter and Mary moved to Brandon, where they made their home and raised their three sons. Family was central to Mary's life, and she created a home where hospitality, good food, and genuine care for others were always welcome.

In 1982, Mary began her studies in nursing, graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1984. She went on to enjoy 15 years of nursing at Dinsdale Home in Brandon, where she provided compassionate palliative care. Her work reflected her quiet commitment to caring for others, particularly during life's most vulnerable moments. Even after retirement, she looked forward to monthly lunches with her former nursing colleagues, maintaining friendships that had become an important part of her life.

Mary had many interests and gifts that she generously shared with others. She loved gardening, baking, and cooking, and was always ready to offer a helping hand. Her volunteer involvement with caregiving organizations, including Meals on Wheels, provided another expression of her concern for those around her. Mary and Peter were longtime members of Grace Mennonite Church, where they willingly served in various volunteer and leadership roles.

Following Peter's passing, Mary continued to nurture friendships and community. She found her place in three regular luncheon groups, which kept her calendar full and, more importantly, surrounded her with meaningful relationships and companionship.

Throughout the years, Peter and Mary supported several charitable organizations, including Brandon University Science Centre, Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba, and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB).

Mary will be remembered as a generous woman who welcomed others with hospitality and expressed her care through practical acts of kindness. She approached life with a calm directness, a quiet strength, and a faithful commitment to the people and responsibilities entrusted to her. Whether through nursing, volunteering, preparing a meal, tending her garden, or gathering with family and friends, she made a difference in the lives of those around her.

Funeral Service will take place at Grace Mennonite Church, 951-10th Street, Brandon on Friday, November 20, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Mary will be laid to rest beside her husband Peter at Haskett Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Mary may be made to Mennonite Central Committee, or CNIB or Brandon University-Science Department.

We love you, Nana. We will miss you and carry your memory with us always.

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