Mary Luana Kruger

Mary Luana Kruger (nee Wood) of White Rock, BC, formerly of Telfordville and Leduc, Alberta, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Friday January 19th, 2024. Mary was born on July 4th, 1942, the oldest child of Jack and Luana Wood of Fisher Home. Mom fondly remembered her early years growing up in a close-knit family on the family farm near Pigeon Lake, having many adventures with her brother, Bill, and her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins and family friends.

Our mother lived a blessed life. She always knew that she was well-loved. The love Mom and Dad shared was truly exceptional – they were each other’s soul mates and true-life partners for almost 60 years. After Dad’s death in 2021, Mom faced life with courage and determination, yet it was obvious how much she missed Dad, and we take great solace knowing that they are now reunited for eternity. Mom also had a strong connection and a deep loyalty to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and proudly celebrated each new family member, either through marriage or birth. She also maintained a close relationship with her brother, Bill, whom she loved dearly.

Mary leaves a legacy of determination, resilience in the face of adversity, faith in God, and a generous love of family and friends. Mom will also be remembered for her strong work ethic and her love of nature and the outdoors. Whether she was out on the combine or tractor, helping with the cattle, or tending to her large vegetable and flower gardens, she was happiest when her hands were at work. Although the “work” changed in her later years as she aged and battled the effects of Parkinson’s disease, she continued to enjoy completing jigsaw puzzles, starting tomato plants from seed, tending to her own vegetable and flower patio garden, and painting pictures right up to the last days of her life.

Mom and Dad had a keen sense of community and were well known for welcoming neighbours into their home, and always being willing to lend a helping hand. Visitors were greeted with the smell of Mom’s fresh baked bread and home-made desserts, and warmly welcomed to come in for coffee, or stay for lunch or dinner, often followed by a game or two around the kitchen table. With her gentle demeanor and warm smile, Mom enjoyed making visitors feel well cared for and comfortable when they visited our family home.

Mary will be lovingly remembered by her son Dwayne (Lisa) Kruger of Saltcoats, Saskatchewan; her daughter Laurie (David) Cender of White Rock, BC; grandchildren Kylie (Zachary), Tessica (Logan), Marisa (Chad), Noah, Paxtyn, and Emelia; great-grandchildren Sophia, Millie, Benjamin, Raelle, and Louis; and her brother Bill (Ruth) Wood of Calgary; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

The family would like to thank the many extended family members, friends, and caregivers who were a tremendous support, especially over the last few years. In particular, we want to thank Hannah, Marytess, Laila, Elvira and Mechaella for their loving care and friendship — your kindness, support and dedication were like rays of sunshine that brought much joy and contentment to Mom’s life. We would also like to thank the staff at the Peninsula retirement home and Evergreen Terraces care home in White Rock, BC for the warmth, caring and kindness shown to Mom in her final years.

A funeral service will be held at Devon Alliance Church on Saturday, February 10th, 2024, at 11 am with Pastor Larry Froese officiating. A lunch reception will immediately follow in the church hall. We hope you will be able to join us in celebrating Mary’s life, honoring the memories, and cherishing the moments we shared together. Interment will be at Telfordville cemetery later in the afternoon.

Online viewing of the funeral service will also be available after the service through the Victory Memorial or Leduc Serenity Funeral Home websites, or through the following links - Mary Luana Kruger Memorial Livestream or https://vimeo.com/event/4060710/b1702f4ede

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mary’s memory to the Parkinson Society of British Columbia (https://www.parkinson.bc.ca/donate/) or the Canadian Wildlife Federation (https://www.cwf-fcf.org/en/).