Date of Birth: February 18, 1918
Date of Death: November 10, 2015
JESSE – Maria “Mary” Theresa Jesse of Melville, Sask., widow of the late William Jesse, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015 at St. Paul Lutheran Home, at the age of 97 years.
Mary was born Jan. 18, 1918 to Valentine and Margaret (nee Senger) Litzenberger on the family farm in the Melville district. In 1943 Mary married William (Willie) Jesse, and they farmed three miles west of Melville. They moved to Heritage House in 1995. Willie passed away July 10, 1999. In April 2014, Mary moved to the Melville 7th and Main Care Home. When she needed more care and support, she became a resident of St. Paul Lutheran Home until her passing on Nov. 10, 2015.
Mary was a devoted wife and loved to work by her husband’s side on the farm. She was a friend to many, a loving aunt, and spent many hours socializing and playing cards with family and friends. Her garden prospered, and she provided and shared garden produce with many people from Melville and area. Whenever you went to visit, you were treated to her superb baking and dainties.
Mary spent many hours volunteering at the church and was willing to give a helping hand wherever needed. She was a very dedicated member of her church and practised a very strong faith in her Lord and Saviour.
Mary was predeceased by her husband, Willie; her siblings, and their spouses, Ludwig in infancy, Philippina (Joseph) Rathgeber, Valentine (Caroline) Litzenberger, Mathias (Elizabeth) Litzenberger, Louie (Philippina) Litzenberger, Katherine (Henry) Schneider, Philip Litzenberger, Jacob (Thelma) Litzenberger; her in-laws, Rheinhold (Alma) Jesse, Ben (Elizabeth) Jesse, Ted (Dora) Jesse, Carl (Winnie) Jesse, Lydia (John) Rathgeber, Elsie (Julius) Rohlick and Olga (Stan) Graveronski.
She leaves to cherish her memory: her sister-in-law, Katie Litzenberger; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary’s funeral service was held Friday, Nov. 13, 2015 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Melville with the Rev. Kim Sherwin officiating. The organist, Gaylene Matthews, led in the hymns, “Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus”, “The Old Rugged Cross”, “Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me” and “Abide With Me.” Carl and Sharon Litzenberger shared a special musical number, “Mansion Over the Hilltop.” All of Mary’s friends and caregivers were considered honorary pallbearers.
Interment took place in the Melville City Cemetery with Greg Tank, Tammy Collins, Brent Ulmer, Dennis Rohlick, Randy Litzenberger and Elroy Litzenberger acting as pallbearers.
Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Melville.
