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MARY CATHERINE BLEI (KLINGER)
Born: Jan 04, 1931
Date of Passing: Feb 02, 2022
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MARY CATHERINE BLEI
(nee KLINGER)
1931 - 2022
With deep sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of our mom, grandma and Oma at Tudor House on February 2, 2022, at the age of 91 years.
Left to remember and mourn are her daughters, Lisa (Monty) Lippoway, Patti (Dennis) Beattie, Nancy (Derek) Sigurdson; her grandchildren, Allison, Robert (Cristina), Matthew, Hillary (Matt), Kaylee and Stefanie; her great-grandchildren, Jacob, Lucas, Alex and Oliver; her sister Theresa; and her in-laws, Leni and Luise. She will be greatly missed by many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends. She was predeceased by her husband of 47 years, Joseph; her parents, Joseph and Rosalia (Rose); and her siblings and in-laws, John and Anne, Dorothy and Don, and Erhard.
Mom was born on January 4, 1931 in Winnipeg's North End, a neighbourhood that she loved and lived in for most of her life. She was the first of four children born to Joseph and Rose Klinger, who moved from a small village in Austria and shared their rich heritage with the family. Mom attended St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church and school, where she formed many of her lifelong friendships. She enjoyed playing baseball and bowling during her school years.
After graduating as valedictorian of her class, mom worked at Wilson's Stationary and Western Shirt and Overall. She continued to be actively involved with the church, where she met Joseph after he immigrated from Germany. Mom and Dad were married on March 2, 1957 at St. Joseph's Church. As newlyweds, they moved to Atikokan, where Mom worked for Steep Rock Iron Mines. After they moved back to Winnipeg to settle down and start their family, she worked as a bookkeeper at St. Joseph's Residence until her retirement in 1992.
Nothing was more important to Mom than her family, and she always put them first. Together with Dad, they raised three daughters, and over the years the family grew to include six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Mom enjoyed the many picnics and gatherings with her extended family, including trips to Camp Morton, Kildonan Park, Assiniboine Park, and church activities. She also remained dedicated to her own mother in her declining years.
Throughout her life, Mom was deeply involved with St. Joseph's Church as well as many clubs including the Catholic Women's League, St. Anthony of Padua's Leisure Group, St. Joseph's Seniors' Club, and the Billy Mosienko bowling league. Mom and Dad enjoyed travelling to numerous destinations across Canada, the United States, Europe, and Barbados. They loved going on group vacations with close friends including the Poulins, the Kents, and the Schwartzs. Mom also cherished her many pets especially Blackie, Whitey, and Smokey. In her retirement, she enjoyed volunteering and spending time with her family.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff and doctors at Tudor House Personal Care Home for their compassionate care of Mom over the last four years.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Mountain and Andrews on Friday, February 11. Proof of Covid-19 vaccination and masks are mandatory. For more information about the funeral, please call 204-470-5934 or 204-229-0901 as a list of attendees is required by the church.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a charity of your choice.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 05, 2022
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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My family and I would like to send our condolences and deepest sympathy to the Blei family. So sorry to hear of your moms passing . She was a wonderful lady. I have been in Mexico since January and only just found out about her passing. Keeping the family in my prayers! - Posted by: Carol Anne Schulz (Friend of family) on: Mar 06, 2022
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Dear Lisa, Patti & Nancy, and families. I remember your mom when we were young, she was always waiting with a cup of coffee when Lisa and I were done 'hanging out' - even though I didn't drink coffee, she was so hospitable. I also remember her voice saying "Lisa, Lisa, Lisa" as she shook her head, with a cigarette in her hand. She sure did love you all, and was there when you needed her. She was a wonderful woman, and I know she will be missed by many. Praying for comfort and strength as you go through the next few months and years ahead. Kim - Posted by: Kim Ellison (friend) on: Feb 13, 2022
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Lisa and Monty, Patti and Dennis, Nancy and Derek, our love goes out to you and your families. Aunty Mary shared with us a lifetime journey of memories that walked a path connecting 184 St Anthony to our kitchen door. It was the first route I ever memorized; through the IGA parking lot to the cross walk, across Main St and three blocks North just past the big Texaco sign. Memories are filled with sleepovers, visits with Grandma, church outings and gifts of Aunty’s amazing date square! The memories always served with a hot cup of coffee and lots of laughter. Aunty Mary was a kind and gentle soul with an infectious giggle and an unlimited love for animals, including all family pets and neighbourhood strays. The three of you girls are a beautiful reflection of her greatest qualities💗 I will miss our back to back Birthday calls. ‘Talk to you tomorrow Aunty!’ You are missed - Posted by: Leslie Fiorino (Niece) on: Feb 08, 2022
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My condolences to Lisa, Patti, Nancy and family. I have fond memories of spending my childhood days playing with the Blei girls. Mrs. Mary Blei, their mother was very welcoming when I visited them in their home. She was a very pleasant lady. I had many happy times in those bygone days. At the time they had a female dog named Teddy. Teddy was gentle and such a friendly dog. She loved to be petted. So many other memories that there’s not enough room on this paper to mention. God bless the family and I will keep you in my prayers. Mother’s are a gift from God. Cathy Jurkowski (McKee) - Posted by: Cathy Jurkowski (McKee) (Friend of Lisa Lippoway) on: Feb 08, 2022
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Dear Lisa, Patti and Nancy and families, Our sincerest sympathy to you all. I will always remember Auntie Mary's warm hospitality whenever we visited Winnipeg, and her gentle laugh (I always thought she laughed the same way as her brother). You are in our prayers, Jack and Tracy Sailor - Posted by: Tracy Sailor (nee Klinger) (Niece) on: Feb 07, 2022
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I am very saddened to hear of Dear Mary's passing. Mari as I called her, was a wonderful, kind and caring lady with a very gentle spirit, We had a so many laughs working side by side at St, Joseph's Personal Care Home. I would like to extend my Kindest Regards to Mary's wonderful family, whom she spoke often, with so much love. - Posted by: Jan Hocken (co-worker, friend) on: Feb 05, 2022
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Dear Cousins, What a beautiful tribute you have written about your Mom! In your words, I clearly see all the love she had for you and Uncle Joe. From the time I heard she was not doing well, to when I heard of her passing, my memories of trips to Canada or your trips to the States for our reunions, fills my heart with both laughter and tears. The memories of the excitement in anticipation of seeing ya’ll and the fun times we had, no matter where we met, are deeply rooted in my heart. I pray for your peace in losing your Mom, our Aunty Mary, and my God Mother, but I also know with her heart of gold, she is at Peace and truly happy. Know that we are walking with you in spirit through this difficult time! Love Corina & Bob - Posted by: Corina Benitez (Niece) on: Feb 05, 2022
