Mary Willms was born to parents, Abram and Susanna Harder on April 27, 1927, in a small village in Nikolayev, Siberia, Russia. She came to Canada in 1929. Her schooling included early years at Brookdale School, Grade 7 & 8 at Glanton School and high schooling at United College in Winnipeg.

Harry Peter Willms was born in the Municipality of Daly and he attended Gourley School, Robert Burns School near Alexander, and finally Red River Community College. Harry was a plasterer by trade and worked in this capacity for many years. Mary had completed her Licensed Practical Nurses Course and later her 3-year Registered Nurses Course from 1956 – 1959.

After these hectic six years, Harry and Mary were married on June 7, 1959. Harry had grown up on a farm along with his 7 siblings and the call to farming drew them out to the Justice area in 1966. They enjoyed farming and that community for the next 28 years. During these years, Mary also enjoyed nursing at the Brandon General Hospital (4th floor) for 12 years, driving in from the farm in all kinds of weather.

They raised their 2 children in the Justice area. Cathy and Greg graduated from Elton Collegiate in Forrest, MB. Mary now has 3 grandsons and 1 granddaughter to enjoy. They all have wonderful memories of ball games, picnics, community events and especially church activities. Mary always enjoyed gardening as well. Being busy with farm and family they found little time to travel, but Mary and Harry did enjoy a trip to Yellowknife, BC, Edmonton, Florida and St. Lucia.

In 1994, they sold their farm and moved to 15 Creighton Blvd. in Brandon, living there for 24 years. Harry passed away on July 4, 2016. Later, while visiting long-time friend Lloyd and Elsie Franklin, she had a tour of Village Green. She decided to sell her house and moved into the Village Green Complex on October 4th, 2017, where she made many new friends.

Left to mourn her passing are her daughter Cathy (Shane), son Greg (Linda), grandchildren Keith, Riley, Brittany, Tyrus, and Colton.

Predeceased by her husband Harry and grandson Kevin.

As per Mary's wishes, the family will honour her legacy privately.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Carberry Personal Care Home for their wonderful care of Mom over the past year.