Mary Sudermann

Mary (Mika) Sudermann passed away peacefully on July 6, 2012 at Concordia Hospital at the age of 87 years.

Left to cherish her memory are her son Rudy (Sharyn), grandson Michael (Debbie) and great grandson Hayden; granddaughter Lisa Aksdal (Morton) and great-grandchildren Emilia, Jacline and Aleksander; her sister Helene Kampen and Kaete Sudermann; as well as her nephews and nieces and their families.

Mary was born on August 29, 1924 in Blumenort, Ukraine. Her parents were Kornelius and Katharina Sudermann (Schulz). As a family they experienced many hardships during the period of collectivization and persecution under Stalin. In January 1937, Mary’s father was taken and was never heard from again. World War Two brought further difficulties and upheaval. In September 1943, Mary and her family were evacuated to Germany by the retreating German army. In Lautawerk, she worked at the aluminum refinery until her family was evacuated to Berlin by the MCC (Mennonite Central Committee). From there, Mary and her family left for Paraguay aboard the “Volendam” in February 1947. Despite the many challenges that life in Paraguay brought, Mary was able to complete her studies and begin her career as a nurse.

On March 9 1955, Mary arrived in Winnipeg with her young son Rudy, her mother and her sister Kaete. Here they were able to start a new life together. Soon after, Mary started working at Concordia Hospital. She was a dedicated and well-respected nurse and spent 32 years serving the community at this hospital.

During her holidays and after her retirement in 1987, Mary enjoyed travelling to many destinations throughout Europe and North America with her sister Kaete. She also enjoyed reading, especially historical fiction, and spent many hours cross-stitching beautiful tablecloths as gifts for family and friends.

In her seventies, Mary was diagnosed with osteoporosis. She met this challenge with determination and perseverance. She and her sister Kaete maintained their independence and supported each other until Mary fractured several ribs in November 2010. After a year in the Misericordia Health Centre (Cornish 2) she moved to the Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home in February 2012. The extended family is very grateful to the staff in both facilities for their compassionate care.

It is with much gratitude the Sudermans and Aksdals would like to thank Walter and Dorothea Kampen, for all of the time shared by them to help with any and all needs Mary encountered over the past three years. They were always available and did so with only care and love in their hearts. For our family it was an enormous comfort to know that she was in the greatest of hands when we could not be there with her ourselves. It was also a further comfort to know they were there to see her through her last hour with prayer and love. Words can never truly reflect how thankful we are for all you have done for all of us. Thank you.

On Thursday, July 5, Mary suffered a fall that left her with multiple fractures. She was taken to Concordia Hopsital where she died the following day as a result of her injuries.

The funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 13, 2012 at Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home, 1045 Concordia Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee or another charity of one’s choice.