Mary Kesslering

On August 4, 2021, Mary Kesslering, 100 years old, passed away peacefully with her family by her side at Ross Payant Centennial Home in Assiniboia, Sask. The Prayer Service was held Sunday, August 8, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. with Gail Delorme presiding. The Funeral Mass was celebrated Monday, August 9, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at St. George’s Roman Catholic Church, both services held at St. George’s Roman Catholic Church, Assiniboia, SK. Celebrant was Father Clement Amofah. Acting pallbearers were her six grandchildren: Tyler Bamford, Chris Bamford, Kyle Kesslering, Courtney Kesslering, Allison Bamford and Kayla Kesslering. Readers were Courtney Kesslering and Allison Bamford. A beautiful video tribute was presented by her family. Interment followed at Mount Hope Cemetery, Assiniboia, SK. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the South Country Health Care Foundation.

Maria (Mary) Ann Thiele was born July 4, 1921 on the family farm near Spring Valley, Sask. She was the second youngest of 15 children. Mary grew up working hard on the farm and received her Grade 8. She married Frank Kesslering on July 19, 1958 at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Moose Jaw, Sask. Following their wedding, they made their home on the farm near Horizon, Sask., where they raised their two kids, Dianne and Michael. In the fall of 1989, Mary and Frank built a new home in Assiniboia, but continued their farming operation for many years after.

Mary loved music: the organ, accordion and guitar. When she turned 50, she taught herself to read notes and began playing organ for the church in Horizon and Assiniboia and the nursing home. Mary was strong in her faith with a kind and gentle soul. She was a big influence in her grandchildren’s lives, teaching them a strong work ethic, positivity and humour. She was a social butterfly who loved bowling and playing cards any chance she got. She will be sadly missed by her family and all who knew her.

Mary is predeceased by her husband, Frank; parents, Frank and Sophia (Dietrich) Thiele; siblings Charlie, Pete, Adam, Frank, Joe, Wenzel, Cecilia, Teresa, Sophie, Margaret, Mary, Jacob, Katy and Johnny; and in-laws. She is survived by her daughter Dianne (Gerry) Bamford; her son Michael (Monique) Kesslering; grandchildren Tyler (Justine) Bamford, Chris (Rachel) Bamford, Kyle (Rhonda) Kesslering, Courtney (Dylan) Kesslering, Allison Bamford and Kayla Kesslering; great-grandchildren Scarlett and Tanner Bamford (Tyler) and Koen Kesslering (Kyle); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rossfuneralservice.com for the Kesslering family.