Mary Eileen Sawatzky

With heavy hearts and loving memories, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, Mary Eileen Sawatzky, on May 12, 2026, at the age of 88.

Mary was predeceased by her loving husband, Henry Sawatzky (2014); her daughter, Brenda (2003); her sons, Mark (2008) and Dale (2016); and her brother-in-law, Terry Melnyk.

She is lovingly remembered by her son, Allen (Val); daughters-in-law Diane Sawatzky (Ogurek) and Shannon Koski; her cherished grandchildren Megan (Corey), Kelsey (Jesse), Cortney (Kirk), Carissa (Ryan), Kyle (Jenna), Owen (Rochelle), Kristin (Lyndon), Erin (Nathan), and Shaye; as well as her 15 treasured great-grandchildren.

Mary is also survived by her sisters, Rita Melnyk and Margaret (Dave) Hamilton; and her brothers, Joe (Kathy) Burgmaier, Albert (Cathie) Burgmaier, and Robert Burgmaier.

Mary was born to Anton and Mary (Schaab) Burgmaier at the Red Cross Outpost Hospital in Loon Lake, Saskatchewan, and began her life on the family homestead in Flat Valley, Saskatchewan. She attended school in Peerless, Makwa, and Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan.

In 1956, Mary married Henry Sawatzky, and together they raised four children. Their early years were spent in Meadow Lake before work opportunities led the family to Mistatim, Saskatchewan. Mary devoted herself to caring for her growing family while also working as a care aide at Sasko Park Lodge in Tisdale.

In the late 1980s, Mary and Henry moved to Saskatoon, where she continued her work as a care aide at Oliver Lodge until her retirement.

Mary lived a simple but deeply meaningful life, carrying herself with quiet strength, kindness, and grace. She loved reading, meaningful conversations with family and friends, and learning about the history of Saskatchewan’s communities and people. She found joy in neighborhood walks, watching curling, and country drives.

Above all else, Mary’s greatest joy was her family. Nothing brought her more happiness than time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were truly the light of her life.

She will be deeply loved, forever remembered, and dearly missed every day.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., at Acadia – McKague’s Funeral Chapel (915 Acadia Drive).

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Paul’s Hospital (5th floor medicine) in memory of Mom.