MARIA (MARY) SCARTH (OSTWALD)

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MARIA (MARY) SCARTH (nee OSTWALD) June 1, 1916 - August 30, 2007 It is with great sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of our precious mother, Nana and Grand-Nana, at home on August 30, 2007. Mary was born on June 1, 1916, in Winnipeg to Adam and Elizabeth Ostwald, the second in the family of four children. She attended Victory Elementary School, leaving school after grade eight to care for her family temporarily following her mother's surgery. Mary spent her childhood in the West Kildonan area, moving to St. James shortly after her marriage, where she remained a lifelong resident. She was employed at various domestic and factory positions prior to her marriage. Mary was the quintessential homemaker known for her culinary skills, hosting many family celebrations from Christmas Eve open house to every holiday occasion; numerous crafts such as paper tole, eggery, knitting and crocheting, candle making, cake decorating and fancy chocolates. Her nimble fingers always rose to the occasion. She loved to nurture and watch all things grow from her family to her garden. Her family came first in every task she undertook, leaving us with warm memories and a strong, closely-knit family. Mary was married on June 1, 1940, to Don, the love of her life, with whom she enjoyed 61 years of marriage. Together they raised their family, gardened, traveled, cruised, and supported each other in their family needs. She was side by side with Don in renovating their first home on Wallasey Street, wielding her hammer with the best of them and building their cottages at Breezy Point and then St. Peters Road. Painting and decorating were her expertise much to Don's thankfulness, a skill she passed on to a few of her children and grandchildren. She was a founding member of the St. James Rebekah Lodge No. 47 and El-Hagar Zuanna. Mary was predeceased by her husband Donald in 2001; father Adam in 1941; mother Elizabeth in 1985; brothers, Adam in 1962 and Henry in 2002, and sister Elizabeth (Betty) deDenus in 2001; brother-in-law Marcel deDenus in 1972, and sister-in-law Corey Ostwald in 1986. She leaves to mourn her passing children Donna (Doug) Spraggs, Alan (Judy) Scarth, Wayne (lrene) Scarth, Marilynne Scarth, and daughter-in-law Dianna Scarth; grandchildren, Kevin (Andrea) Scarth, Shanon (Conway) Wieler, Craig Scarth, Kent (Sheila) Spraggs, Alana (Laurie) Howden, Todd (Esyllt) Scarth, Erin (Scott) Scarth-Lengyel, and Timothy Scarth; great-grandchildren Cailey, Landon and Jaden Wieler, Emma Scarth, Shaelynn and Kyler Spraggs, Owen Scarth, and Rhianna Howden, numerous nieces and nephews and friend Doris Paye. Mary enjoyed life always a fighter against her many illnesses. She was the strength that held us together during family sorrows and will be greatly missed. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. A.N. Schroeder for his kindness and assistance during Mary's illnesses. A celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue. Interment and reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mary's memory can be made to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, or Canadian Cancer Society, Manitoba Division. We love you dearly. You will always be in our hearts. The family would like to extend their appreciation to the fire/paramedic response team, Police, and the coroner for their support and kindness during a most difficult morning. Thank you. Arrangements entrusted to: Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 02, 2007