It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Mary Voth, at almost 77 years of age. She passed away peacefully, in her sleep, on August 1, 2016, at St. John’s Hospital in Vanderhoof, BC.
On Sunday, August 7th, a Celebration of Life service was held at the Northside Church in honour of Mary. Mary’s life was celebrated by her loving husband of almost 60 years - Harvey Voth, her children - Darrell Voth, Lloyd (Jacqueline) Voth, Bernice (Hans) Sturm, Alden (Colleen) Voth, Nathan (Debra) Voth, Helen “Ruth” Voth Funk & Nettie “Heather” (Chris) Voth, her 18 grandchildren, her 15 great grandchildren, her sisters - Tina (John) Teichroeb & Margaret (Abe) Reimer, as well as her numerous nieces, nephews, extended family & dear friends. Mary was predeceased by her grandson - Anthony Voth, her sister - Helen, and her brothers - Abe, Jake, Ben & John.
The youngest of eight children, Mary was born just south of Swift Current, Saskatchewan, on September 1st, 1939, to Abram and Helena Wiebe. In the spring of 1942, her family moved to a farm on Braeside Road, in Vanderhoof, BC, where she grew up learning the values of hard work and resourcefulness as she practiced the arts of caring for a home, a garden, and animals.
On Mary’s 15th birthday, she met her future husband, Harvey Voth. Harvey and Mary were married on September 16th, 1956. Within a few years, they moved from their first house on Voth Road to a small farm on Braeside Road. Mary welcomed the births of seven children, 18 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Harvey and Mary were married almost 60 years and their commitment to each other through both life’s joys and struggles was a testament to their love.
Mary cared for her family and friends with a nurturing and generous spirit. Always hospitable, and understanding that food brings people together, Mary loved to have company over for a home cooked meal or afternoon tea. Her life revolved around her family; she enjoyed spending time with her husband and all of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, sharing her faith in God along with her enjoyment of the simpler pleasures in life – farming, gardening, fishing and preparing food.
Mary passed on a legacy of love for her family. She had a large and growing family, and different aspects of her live on in each of them. They can look to each other and find Mary’s kind heart, love of cooking, gardening, fishing or travelling, her understanding ear, or unwavering faith reflected in them. The family thanks their mother, grandmother, and great grandmother for all of her care and unconditional love. Mary will be deeply missed.