Obituary of Marie Toews

Marie Toews peacefully passed into eternity on July 10, 2020 in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan. Mom lived a full and purposeful life for 94 years. She was born to Frank and Anna Goossen in 1926 at McTavish, Manitoba. She enjoyed her childhood, spending it with her large and happy family. Mom received Christ as her Saviour at a young age and was baptized at Rosenort, Manitoba. Her faith in God was unwavering and gave her strength to face life‘s losses and difficult times.

She went to work as a nurse in Linden, Alberta, where she met our father, Dan Toews. They were married On May 16, 1947 at Rosenort, Manitoba. Mom’s resilience and innovation made her a good partner for dad’s adventurous nature. They started their journey in Carbon, Alberta on a mixed farm. Mom especially enjoyed the dairy cows. It was at Carbon that their first 2 children were born, Rayma and Jewel. Moms’ faith and determination helped her in accepting the challenges of Jewel living with Cerebral Palsy and then her death, at 29 years of age, in a tragic vehicle accident.

They spent five years at the Sunchild mission in the Rocky Mountain House area. Mom practiced her nursing skills, delivering babies and working with Dad in their trading post exchanging groceries and fuel for furs. Bonna and Danny were born here. Their journey then took them to Sinclair Manitoba where they operated a general store. It was a busy time of life for Mom, rich in experience, interacting with the community either in the store or out front at the town water pump. During this time Richard was born. After several years they moved to Mt. Lehman, BC. Mom spoke fondly of their years living on their broiler farm, working at Brookside and Valhaven Nursing Home while raising her family and making many friends. While living here Paul became part of the family. The time came for one more move, grain farming in Saskatchewan at Neilburg. After retiring, Dad’s health began to fail. He passed away in 2008. Mom continued living in Neilburg for several years until she moved into assisted living in Lloydminster. She enjoyed her time at Points West Care Home, becoming friends with staff and residents. Mom unselfishly gave to her children and grandchildren, passing on life skills and wisdom. We will miss the times she brought us together at her home in Lloydminster.

Cherishing her memory are her children: Rayma and Curtis Isaac of Dewberry, AB, (Shaun, Shaelan and Krista); Bonna Irving of Neilburg, SK, (Matthew, Miranda and Caitlin); Danny and Colleen Toews of  Neilburg, SK, (Sherin, Sarah, Katie, Caleb and Ben); Richard Toews of Lloydminster, AB; Jane Toews of Lloydminster, AB, (Casey and Dustin); Paul and Lorraine Lenchuk of Abbotsford, BC, (Phil, Jon, Steve and Amy); 37 great grandchildren; sisters, Evelyn (Leonard) Penner of Sinclair, MB, Mae Toews of Rimbey, AB and Pearl Thiessen of Cromer, MB; brothers-in-law, Norman Toews of Montezuma KS, Gladwin (Luanna) Toews of Linden AB; sister-in-law, Marlena Goossen of Steinbach, MB; also many nephews, nieces and friends.

She was predeceased by: her husband, Dan; daughter, Jewel; son-in-law, Brad Irving; two infant sons, Robert and Ryan; her parents, parents-in-law, 4 brothers, 2 sisters, 5 brothers-in-law and 10 sisters-in-law. 

The family is deeply thankful for the staff at Points West Care Home, who contributed to the enjoyment of her last years.

Donations in memory of Marie may be made to the Wycollar Cemetery or donor's charity of choice.

A private family service will be held on Friday, July 17 at 10:30 AM. If you wish to listen to the live service please call 1-510-443-0161 just before the service time or go to the following website, neilburg.listentochurch.com.

Marie's memorial card can be viewed or downloaded from the link below.

https://indd.adobe.com/view/8ba8b642-de90-4eb6-93a4-b315c4ee1045