November 20, 1934 – December 17, 2025
at the age of 91 years:
Please note the passing of our mother, Mary Ann Gertrude Goerzen (nee Hooge), on Dec 17, 2025, in Salmon Arm, BC. Mary Ann was a healthy, vibrant woman who died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 91. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Martin David Goerzen, in March of 2017 and is survived by her children and their families:
Jonathan (Nannette) Goerzen (Campbell River, BC) and son: Ryan (Nicole) Goerzen (Jaynen, Cameron and Paityn),
Mary Lynn (Daniel) Retzlaff (Calgary, AB) and children: Joshua (Stacy) Pritchard (Alison and Natalie), Margaret Barry (Madisen and Kayden) and Reece (Chris) Zablocki,
Ronald (Jan) Goerzen (Calgary, AB) and sons: Scott (Georgia) Goerzen and Brian Goerzen,
Edward (Cynthia) Goerzen (Taylor, BC) and children: Robyn Meir (Keenen, Kaden, James and Claire) and Candace Meir (Jaden and Josh),
David Goerzen (Windsor, South Carolina, USA) and children: Jesse Goerzen, Chelsea Goerzen and Greg Anderson
Christine (Ricky) Fichter (Kamloops, BC) and children: Melissa (Brent) Szerze (Tayla and Keltie) and Matthew (Cassia) Fichter (Oliver).
Mom is also very much missed by her surviving sisters: Florence (Otto) Driedger (Regina, SK) and Phyllis Wiebe (Winnipeg, MB), and by her dear friend, Tom.
Mom was born in Roland, MB where she grew up on a farm with her parents, Jacob and Gertrude Hooge, and two sisters. She earned her B.Ed. degree in Winnipeg, taught in a number of public schools, pursued her master’s in education at U of Oregon, and retired in 1991 at Beaver Creek, YT. She went on to volunteer in various schools, churches and community groups in Kelowna, Ft. St. John, Merritt, and Salmon Arm, BC. She was a loving wife, mother and friend, known for her generous spirit, dependability, work ethic, Christian faith, community-mindedness, love of music, ready laugh and considerable handiwork skills.
Due to unpredictable weather at this time of year, we are postponing her Celebration of Life until 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the First Community (United) Church in Salmon Arm, BC. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you send donations to First Community Church of Salmon Arm, BC or the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) of BC.
Although I met Mary Ann only last year, I soon came to know and appreciate her sweet nature and thoughtful presence.
She is certainly missed by those who knew her.
It was an honour to be Mary Ann’s minister both in Merritt and Salmon Arm. Mary Ann exuded kindness and a simple and beautiful hospitality.
She had a passion for justice and a gift for beautiful handiwork. I have a cloth of her hardanger embroidery on my worship table, and would often find her sitting on a bench near McGuire Lake in the warmer weather, with the latest knitting project underway. Mary Ann was both a sweet light and a solid spirit. I am grateful for knowing her. Love and blessings to all her family, as they grieve the loss of this beautiful matriarch.
Will miss your care packages of cookies and your clear thoughts on questions of life.
I am so very sorry to read of your Mom’s passing. It is so difficult to lose a loved one. I was made aware of your Mom’s passing from a dear friend, Florence. Thinking of you at this time.
Miss you, Mom.