It is with deep sadness the family announces the passing of our beloved mother Mary Rohlfs on Sunday, August 9, 2020 at the age of 93 years.
Mary was born to Andrew and Helen Yonda on December 27, 1926 in Brandon, Manitoba. Mom grew up in the North End when times were tough, especially as there were 11 children. I remember mom telling stories of how she had to share a bed with two of her sisters! She attended David Livingstone School and completed Grade 8. Mom met Dad (Carl Rohlfs) when he was the owner/operator for Ace Taxi. Mom and her sisters would take a taxi to attend dances at the Palladium and the rest is history. They married October 4, 1947 and had two children, Richard and Laura.
Mom worked hard all her life. She briefly worked at Brandon Mental Health Centre but most of her career was as a Nurse’s Aide at the old Assiniboine Hospital on 10th Street and then as a Porter in the Radiology department at Brandon General Hospital.
Mom and Dad loved to travel. Many summer holidays were spent in Alberta and British Columbia visiting family and friends. Then, later in life, they visited Hawaii, Europe, Disneyland, Mexico, Florida and Las Vegas.
Over the years Mary became a very stylish dresser. She loved going to Winnipeg to buy clothes and just people watch – her last trip being only a year ago! She would also get her hair set every Saturday at Ruby’s, a ritual that happened for years. She loved listening to music and never missed an opportunity to hear the entertainment at Fairview Home.
During her lifetime, she had a handful of close friends as her focus was always on her family. She was a very strong, feisty, independent woman – never wanting to be a bother to anyone. She was kind-hearted, as well as a jokester with a great sense of humor and contagious smile. She loved her diet coke as well!
Mary is survived by her son Richard (Sharon); daughter Laura (Glenn); sister Jean Gilbert and brother-in-law Alex Packan as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; husband Carl; brothers Joe, John, Stanley and Walter; sisters Sophie, Kay, Irene, Stella and Rose.
A private family service will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2020. Donations in memory of Mary may be made to the Brandon Humane Society, 2200 – 17th Street East, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 7M6 or to a charity of one’s choice.