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MARY VIVIAN RIEGER
Born: Mar 26, 1928
Date of Passing: Aug 16, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryMARY VIVIAN RIEGER
Our beloved mom, grandma, and aunt to many, Mary passed surrounded by love with family at her side.
She was predeceased by her husband Victor (d. 2017).
Left to mourn are her daughters Jane (Earl) and Debbie; grandchildren Lindsay (Vanessa), Kelley (Bob), Lindsay, Bobbie, Jaime, Suzanne (Brad) and Robynne (Jordan): great- grandchildren Josh, Maddy, Tarrin, Makenna, Jonah, Phoenix, Rowyn, Tayler, Jordyn, Malakai, Cayden, Dayton, Kohen, Walker and Addy: great-great grandchild Kian; her brother Adam (Bev); in-laws Shirley and Emily and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Mary was born in Tiny, Saskatchewan, the daughter of Joseph and Pauline Zarazun and was one of eleven children. Mary moved to Winnipeg at the age of sixteen and began work as a nanny. In July of 1948, she married the love of her life, Victor (Vic). They enjoyed 68 years together. Over the years, Mary worked in numerous sewing factories and raised Jane and Debbie in the family home. She spent many of those years sewing clothing for the kids, cooking, gardening and caring for the family. Mary and Vic spent their early retirement in British Columbia and later returned home to Winnipeg. Family was the most important thing to Mary, gaining an extra daughter, Kathy and three sons, Garry, Brian and Keith over time. Mary was loved and respected by her family and friends. With her heart of gold and sense of humour, she led the family with unconditional love, honesty, strength and compassion.
Mary was known for her soups at Christmas, her cinnamon buns for every occasion, and her cabbage rolls, perogies and borscht were second to none. Mary loved playing cards and games, known for cheating, but no one could ever catch her. She also loved crocheting, knitting and quilting for both family and those in need. She taught us all to laugh, love, and the value of fairness and kindness. Mary was always known as the best dressed on every occasion. She kept her independence, with the help of family, right until the end, and was an inspiration to us by facing life's challenges with courage, resilience and a positive outlook. Her wit and teasing of everyone will never be forgotten.
"Mom, grandma, aunty, we will all miss you! Thank you for being you!"
Special thanks to the staff of Concordia Hospital for their care and compassion.
Funeral Service to celebrate her life will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Interment will be at Chapel Lawn, 4000 Portage Ave. following the service and luncheon.
Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made in Mary’s memory to Heart and Stroke Foundation and Arthritis Society Canada.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 20, 2025
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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I miss you, Auntie. Love, Susan - Posted by: Susan Deshmukh (Niece) on: Sep 01, 2025
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Growing up and living across the street from Auntie Mary and Uncle Vic was a privilege. All my friends on the street new them as Auntie and Uncle. I will always have lots of fond memories of those times - Posted by: Susan Schwabl (Niece) on: Aug 20, 2025
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Mrs. Rieger was a member of my mom's "Sewing Circle" for many years. They were a wonderful group of ladies, who met monthly in each other's homes, chatting away and, sometimes, knitting. I believe the rest of the group have long since passed away and I am sure they will all be welcoming her with open arms. May many wonderful memories be of comfort to her family as they mourn her passing. - Posted by: Diane Skalenda (Mother's friend) on: Aug 20, 2025
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Aunt Mary was always the inspiration beside Uncle Vic. Her laugh, her gentle prodding, her support, and sense of humour matching his, made them a beautiful example of how love works in a family. She welcomed us in their home and made the best apple pies ever. Her smile lit up the room. She will always be alive in my heart. Love and blessings to her family, my cousins. I am with you in spirit on Friday. Deepest love and hugs, Janice Leroux, (Mayer). - Posted by: Janice Leroux (Niece) on: Aug 20, 2025
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I recall, if my memory serves me, cleaned this wonderful woman's and her husband's home when I was with Consumer Care Maids years back. Sorry to hear of her passing. - Posted by: Debra Joy Winterburn (acquaintance) on: Aug 20, 2025
