Mary Berniece Schwindt, late of Weyburn, formerly of Lewvan-Colfax
district, passed away peacefully December 26, 2010, at the age of 91.
Berniece was predeceased by her parents, John and Minnie Glen;
brother, Stanley Glen; sister, Evelyn Higham and husband Clarence.
She is survived by her two sons, Stewart (Therese) of North Portal;
Clinton (Rhonda) of Colfax; one daughter Marilyn (Terryll) Watkins of
Seattle, WA; three grandsons: James Schwindt, Jay Schwindt (Shauna
Forsberg) and Shane Schwindt (Candace Shirkie); two granddaughters:
Connie Blair (Michael) and Chelsea Schwindt; one great grandchild,
Ezra Blair, as well as many nieces and nephews. Berniece was born at
Rouleau, and grew up on the family farm near Briercrest. She
completed her Grade 11 and 12 while being home-schooled by her sister
Evelyn. Upon graduating, she enrolled in Normal School in Moose Jaw
in 1939, where she received her teaching degree. Her first teaching
position was at Mount Pisgah school near Gilroy, then Maple Leaf
school, south of Lewvan, and then onto Gray. She met Clarence while
room and boarding at the Charles Schwindt home to teach at Maple Leaf
school, which was just down the road. Their courtship began and
shortly after her move to teach in Gray, they were engaged. Berniece
and Clarence were married on August 15, 1944 at Regina, and moved
onto the Schwindt homestead. Here began her career as farmer, mother,
gardener, Sunday school teacher, cook, seamstress, occasional piano
teacher and later, eyes for Clarence. During her lifetime on the
farm, Berniece was constantly busy with the duties of raising a
family and farming. She could be found helping with the harvest,
tending to her garden, putting up preserves, baking bread or sewing
endless creations on her sewing machine. In the midst of her busy
life, she could always be found for a good competitive game of
cribbage (especially with Clarence), or tiddlywinks with her
grandchildren. Prior to TV, she enjoyed engaging her entire family in
card games like Hearts and King Pedro, and board games like
crokinole. Thanks to Clarence's love of sports, she became an avid
fan of hockey, baseball and football. A common scene was the family
gathered around a dishpan full of popcorn to watch Hockey Night in
Canada. Her joy of sewing included assorted articles from doll
clothes to wedding and graduation dresses, suits and bedspreads.
After her family was raised she was employed by the Weyburn Co-op for
a number of years, making custom made draperies, at which time she
enjoyed the luxury of being paid for something she had been
passionate about her entire life. In 1999, Berniece moved to Weyburn
to be closer to Clarence, as he was a patient in Souris Valley
Extended Care. After his passing in 2000, she remained in her
apartment until December of 2004 when her health dictated she become
a resident of Crocus Plains Villa, where she resided until her
passing. Funeral service was held at Grace United Church, Weyburn, on
January 5, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend M. Barnabas officiating.
Interment followed in Colfax Community Cemetery. Pallbearers were
James Schwindt, Jay Schwindt, Shane Schwindt, Chelsea Schwindt,
Connie Blair and James Gibbons. All those in attendance were
considered to be honorary pallbearers. The family wishes to thank the
staff of Crocus Villa for all the loving care and support provided to
Mary Berniece and her family. At the family's request, flowers are
gratefully declined. For friends so wishing, donations may be made to
the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. Arrangements were
entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels, Weyburn, 842-5432. Condolences
may be left at: www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com.