Maria (Mary) Klassen Adrian
(1915 – 1998)

Maria Klassen known as Mary to her friends was born on May 23rd,1915 in Laird. She was just three years old when her mother passed away as an influenza epidemic (aka Spanish Flu) swept the country. Her father remarried the following year and she was raised by her father and stepmother (Helena) in a household surrounded by love and twelve siblings.

Mary was baptized on the confession of her faith on May 20th, 1934. On June 10th, 1943 she married George (Gerhard) Adrian of Waldheim. Their marriage was blessed with three daughters and one son.

They brought their children up at Rabbit Lake, Sask. When they sold their farm they moved to North Battleford for several years and then retired to Waldheim.

Mary Adrian was a warm-hearted person. She loved not only her own children, but nine foster children as well. She was always involved in the community. In Rabbit Lake she spear-headed a "Girls Club", belonged to the "Ladies Aid" and the "Home and School" and had a large circle of friends. She always had room for additional guests at the dinner table.

Moving to North Battleford brought another circle of friends. She and George participated in bowling leagues and tournaments. The move to Waldheim meant more bowling, more friends, and involvement with the senior's choir. She loved being with people and playing games.

Mary was always busy. She was an excellent seamstress and had more crafts and sewing projects on the go than any one person could ever possibly hope to finish. She was always saving leftover fabric and knick-knacks to "make something out of"!

Throughout her life her faith was very strong, and always played an important role in her life. She participated actively in Bible study and prayer groups. She was eager to learn more and share her faith with others.

Mary was always happy in a quiet sort of way. Though she suffered from allergies, high blood pressure, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease, she never complained. She died suddenly February 10, 1998 in Stensrud Lodge in Saskatoon.

Mary was predeceased by her husband George Adrian, her parents Abraham, Anganetha and Helena Klassen, her daughter-in-law Dianne, and three siblings, Helen Klassen, Peter Klassen, and Nettie Wiebe.

She is survived by her children, Grace (John) Chwartkowski, Joyce (Ron) Sotski, Lorna (Nick) Themelis, Melvin Adrian; her grandchildren, Lorelei Marks, Randy Marks, Nicole Marks, Rhett Sotski, Darrin Sotski, Lana Sotski, Kelvin Adrian, Brandon Adrian, Kyle Adrian; her great-grandchildren, Tyler Woodward, Jessica Woodward, Zachary Marks, Kira Marks; her sisters and brothers, Tina (Jake) Janzen, Jake (Johanna) Klassen, George Klassen, Abe (Verna) Klassen, Isaac (Ann) Klassen, Elisabeth Warkentin, Benno (Frances) Klassen,John (Gerry) Klassen, Margaret (Bernie) Neufeld; four sisters-in-law, Margaret Friesen, Annie Unruh, Esther Adrian, Mary Adrian, and brother-in-law Peter Wiebe.