ASELS - Mary Ethel Asels was born on February 26, 1924 on the family farm south of Carmichael, Sask. She passed away suddenly after a brief illness on August 7, 2010 at the Royal Alexander Hospital in Edmonton, Alta.
Mary was the sixth child of 14 born to Tobbie and Clara (Willman) Morin. She married Vernon Carlyle Asels (Red) on July 2, 1947.
Mary was predeceased by her mother in 1937, her father in 1971 and her husband Vernon (Red) in 1991; brothers Clayton, Peter, Alvin, Irvine and Gordon; sisters Helen, Evelyn, Adeline, Irene and two infant siblings.
She is survived by her daughter Brenda and her son Gary (Mona); 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; her brother Don (Mary); sisters Blanche (Bill), Mabel, sister-in-law Ruth and brother-in-law, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary lived the majority of her life in Saskatchewan. She loved gardening, baking, crocheting, knitting and visiting with friends.
Brenda and Gary have fond memories of life on the farm. Their Mom raised chickens, turkeys and geese and had guaranteed customers for them. Every cousin that got married received a pair of down-filled pillows. Cellar shelves were always full of canned meat, vegetables and fruit.
Mary moved from the farm to Maple Creek where she worked in the C0-op bakery for 14 years. She would adapt some of her favorite recipes into larger quantities to sell in the store. Mary retired at the age of 65 but retained her habit of rising early and heading to bed early until she passed away. Gary remembers what a treat store-bought bread was, 10 loaves for a dollar. Now homemade bread is the treat.
Mary’s love of crafts continued when she moved to Hay River, NWT in 2001. Various sizes of afghans, covered hangers, crocheted dishcloths and pot holders kept her busy. Her crafts were donated for prizes at bingo, charity auctions, the nursing home and hospital. Gardening became a challenge with the non-stop daylight. Daily watering was required as compared to every other day here.
Family was very important to Mary. Each of you held a special place in her life.
Mary’s service was held on Friday, August 13, 2010 at the United Church in Maple Creek, Sask. with Binkley’s Funeral Service in charge of arrangements. Eleanor Bowie officiated. Pallbearers were grandchildren Kolton Asels, Jeri Asels, Jordan Asels, Bryson Asels, Kylie McDonald and family friend Wayne Law. Honorary pallbearers were all the family and friends that knew Mary. Interment was in the Consul Cemetery beside her husband.
Anyone wishing to remember Mary may make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society in her name.
The family would like to thank Binkley’s and everyone for the flowers and condolences. We appreciate very much.
To email an expression of sympathy you may visit www.gonebutnotforgotten.ca.