Mary-Jane Elisabeth Holtmann

She leaves behind a loving family, including her 5 children: Charles (Sherri), Andrew (Lisa), Daniel (Kendra), Mathew (Ashley), Caitlin (Randy) and 13 grandchildren who all loved their Oma very much.

Mary-Jane was predeceased by her husband John, and her parents Gerhard and Marie.

Mary-Jane was the third of four children born in Fort Garry on June 24, 1951. During her early, formative years she lived with her mother, brother Mark and maternal grandparents in B.C. It was from her grandmother, who she loved dearly, Mary-Jane acquired her love of cooking. At the age of 13 she moved back to Winnipeg with her brother Mark to be with her father in the house on Seier Bay where she would reside most of her life.

MJ attended the University of Manitoba and was a teacher by training, but a mother by calling. It was at university that she started dating John, her future husband and met many of her lifelong friends. When John brought her home from a dance it was the start of what would become a loving marriage and partnership that would endure until his death in 2011.

Upon her graduation from university, she taught for a few years before giving this up to a family. Amid raising and caring for family, she formed close friendships with many - particularly nephews and nieces- who parked in her driveway while attending university. She always found the time to share a cup of tea with them and hear about their day or anything else they wanted to talk about.

Mary-Jane dedicated her life to the service of others: children, ageing parents, ailing husband, and grandchildren. After many years of serving others she finally found time for herself. At the time of her death she was looking forward to many new adventures. She was a dedicated volunteer who loved holding babies at Villa Rosa, cooking for immigrant women at the House of Peace, and knitting with her friends, “The Knit WITs”.

She will be remembered for her great cooking, love of family, warm touch, and kitchen counter which was always open to all who needed an ear to hear them.

Mom, we look forward to be reunited again with you and Dad in heaven.

Prayers will be said on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at 7:30 pm at Mary Mother of the Church, 85 Kirkbridge Drive.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 9, 2016 at 11:00 am at Mary Mother of the Church with Fr. Kevin Bettins as the Celebrant and Interment will follow at Thomson “In the Park” Cemetery, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard.

In lieu of flowers consider making a donation to Villa Rosa. She loved the work they did; but received far more back in return from volunteering at the Villa than she could have ever given of herself.