Obituary of Mary Clarkson

With heavy hearts and precious memories the family of Mary Clarkson announce her passing on October 5, 2013 at the age of 67. Mary was born on March 2, 1946, to Jake and Agneta Kessler. Mary grew up on the farm at Mayfair, attending school at Eldorado and Mayfair. Mary’s biological mother passed away when Mary was young, in 1956 Helena Thiessen’s family joined the Kessler family; Helena and Jake were married in June 1957, bringing 15 people to the table, all helping and had responsibilities, a large garden, cows, laundry, baking, dishes and more dishes, wood box to fill, and numerous trips to the ice house. Mary’s heart was loyal to her family and friends. Growing up, Mary learned to use the dough pan, becoming a phenomenal bread maker. Mary spent a lot of time picking berries, doing each other’s hair, tobogganing, playing ball. Although Mary was the girl everyone wanted on their team, she was loyal too her team, a fantastic back catcher – smacking many a runner out at home plate. Mary met her soul mate, Georgie Clarkson, and married in 1963 raising five children together on the Clarkson farm. A dedicated farm wife and mother, working alongside Georgie, helping with field work and cattle as well as being a good homemaker, cooking, gardening, canning etc. Mary enjoyed; a bit of traveling with family and with friends, was an active member of the C.B Club, known as the dough puncher, curling, playing ball, bunnock, cards, fishing, camping, and watching TV. She could give you an update of the soap operas any day of the week. Mary worked at the Spiritwood Lodge for ten years, during these years she purchased her very own first car. Mary’s family was her life, loving her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews all unconditionally. In 2013, Mary’s illness worsened, she fought to enjoy and share in many family events; travelling to BC to visit her dying sister Agnes, sharing her 50th wedding anniversary with Georgie, attending every family gathering, watching her granddaughters dance recital, welcomed two new great grandchildren, dancing at her granddaughters wedding, and her daughters 25th wedding anniversary. Mary’s struggles came to an end on October 5th, 2013. Saying goodbye to a loved one is surely one of life’s most difficult tasks. The family appreciates all who have supported them. There are no words powerful enough to ease the pain. The precious memories of time you spend together will help heal, take comfort in knowing you were blessed to have shared in the life of someone so special. She leaves to cherish her memories: Her husband of 50 years, George, Her children; Velda (Russ) Sandbeck , Steven Clarkson, Kirk (Jenny) Clarkson, Dale (Kathy) Clarkson and Shane Clarkson, Her siblings; Tina (Albert) Peters, Herman (Delores) Kessler, Ann (Richard) Evans and Sarah Thiessen, Her step-siblings; Sarah Morgan, Margaret MaCrae, Cathy (Dick) Arstall, Liz (Lawrence) Paul, Jake (Linda) Thiessen, John (Janice) Thiessen and Susan (Lyle) Douglas. Predeceased by: Her parents; Jacob and Agneta Kessler, step-mother; Helena Kessler (nee: Thiessen), siblings; George, Jake, Pete and Agnes, step-siblings; Helen Cabatof, Nettie Thompson, Abe Thiessen and Mary Thiessen. A Funeral Service was held in Mary’s honor on October 10th, 2013 at the Rabbit Lake Community Hall. Eulogy was beautifully written and given by Sheila Bachelder. For those wishing donations may be made in honor of Mary to the Cancer Society Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com The family has entrusted arrangements to Lori Saam of Beau "Lac" Funeral Home, Spiritwood, 306-883-3500