Obituary of Mary Sipes

It is with great sadness that the family of Mary Sipes announce her sudden and unexpected passing in St. Paul's Hospital in Saskatoon, SK. on Sunday, July 25, 2010 at the age of 70 years. Mary was born on June 25, 1940 to John and Mary Howat. She attended school at Silver Cliff and Canwood along with her siblings, Ken, Frank, Violet and Bev. After completing her education she moved to P.A. National Park and worked as a waitress in the summer months. She met Richard Sipes at a dance in Cookson and in 1956 they were married and lived in Prince Albert. They moved to Waskesiu and there Mary worked at various jobs. They were very blessed to have been given two chosen children, Janet and Jeff. Mary was a devoted mother. Dick lost his life while on the job in the park in 1975. Later that year Mary was visiting her cousin Mae Biggar in Canwood and there she met Art Altstadt. Romance blossomed and her and Art became the parents of a wonderful little boy, Willie. The three children and Art and Mary settled down in Canwood where they enjoyed many happy years with family and friends. As the years flew by, Mary relished the role of Grandmother and Great Grandmother and spent many hours making afghans and blankets for them all. Mary was an excellent cook and baker and had meticulous housekeeping skills. You would never find a mess at Mary's. She was devoted to keeping a People and Events book which had marriages, births and deaths recorded of every single person she was ever connected to in any way. Mary will be certainly missed by all who knew and loved her but she will never ever be forgotten. There was a memorial service in the Canwood Elk's Community Hall on Friday, July 30, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Doug Schmirler as officiant. The Urnbearers were William and Michelle Altstadt. The Honorary Pallbearers were "All of Mary's precious grandchildren, great grandchildren,family and friends who knew and loved her." The memorial tribute and video presentation was given by Sandra Benson. The Organist was Monica Svendsen. Memorial donations in memory of Mary may be made to the Crohns & Colitis Society, Canwood North Cemetery or to the choice of the donor.