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MARY-JANE E. HOLTMANN (SEIER)
Born: Jun 24, 1951
Date of Passing: Jun 02, 2016
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryMARY-JANE E. HOLTMANN (nee SEIER) With great sorrow, but heart full of joy, Mary-Jane passed on June 2, 2016 at the Health Sciences Centre. She leaves behind a loving family, including her five children: Charles (Sherri), Andrew (Lisa), Daniel (Kendra), Mathew (Ashley), Caitlin (Randy), and 13 grandchildren who all loved their Oma very much. Mary-Jane was predeceased by her husband John, and her parents Gerhard and Marie. Mary-Jane was the third of four children born in Fort Garry on June 24, 1951. During her early, formative years she lived with her mother, brother Mark and maternal grandparents in British Columbia. It was from her grandmother, who she loved dearly, Mary-Jane acquired her love of cooking. At the age of 13 she moved back to Winnipeg, with her brother Mark, to be with her father in the house on Seier Bay where she would reside most of her life. MJ attended the University of Manitoba and was a teacher by training, but a mother by calling. It was at university that she started dating John, her future husband and met many of her lifelong friends. When John brought her home from a dance it was the start of what would become a loving marriage and partnership that would endure until his death in 2011. Upon her graduation from university, she taught for a few years before giving this up to a family. Amid raising and caring for family, she formed close friendships with many - particularly nephews and nieces - who parked in her driveway while attending university. She always found the time to share a cup of tea with them and hear about their day or anything else they wanted to talk about. Mary-Jane dedicated her life to the service of others: children, ageing parents, ailing husband, and grandchildren. After many years of serving others she finally found time for herself. At the time of her death she was looking forward to many new adventures. She was a dedicated volunteer who loved holding babies at Villa Rosa, cooking for immigrant women at the House of Peace, and knitting with her friends, "The Knit WITs". She will be remembered for her great cooking, love of family, warm touch, and kitchen counter which was always open to all who needed an ear to hear them. Mom, we look forward to be reunited again with you and Dad in heaven. Prayers will be said on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. at Mary Mother of the Church, 85 Kirkbridge Drive. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 9, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Mary Mother of the Church with Fr. Kevin Bettins as the Celebrant and Interment will follow at Thomson "In the Park" Cemetery, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard. In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to Villa Rosa. She loved the work they did; but received far more back in return from volunteering at the Villa than she could have ever given of herself. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 07, 2016
Condolences & Memories (13 entries)
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I offer heartfelt condolences to Mary's children. I know it doesn't measure up to the person she was. This is my favorite memory (written before seeing a similar story posted here). I had a day off school once and went to visit "the boys", Mary's children. They weren't home yet, but Mary invited me in while preparing food. Catie wasn't far (she hadn't started school). One by one, the boys arrived. As if she had military training, Mary corralled the herd to the island opposite the kitchen and served a meal. One more boy in the pack made no difference. From left to right, she asked every child how their day went, checked in about friends, and followed up on past stories. I was #4 and I remember panicking; why would anyone care about my day? I didn't know what to say. I hadn't been to school that day, but I followed the example of the other boys. The boys loved attention, I avoided it. I'll never forget how Mary fed everyone and went through their day before you knew it like magic. As if it took no effort. I'd never seen anything like it. I felt she knew more about me in 5 minutes than my own mother. Mary and John have both been, for me at a distance, a great example of how to raise a family, and how to be kind, good people. I'm blessed to have known them both and to have those memories. May Mary be united with her loving John, keeping an eye on their wonderful family from above. - Posted by: Sharky (nephew) on: May 25, 2025
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When I was about 12, I happened to be at the Holtmann's at supper-time on a school day. Mary Jane scooped me up with the 5 others, sat us to table. All the boys were in school, so I saw her methodically ask every child how their day was, what they did, what their opinion was, who they did it with, how those people were doing, etc. It was just about the most fascinating thing I had seen, the skill of a mother and talent to match any lifelong worker at a Detroit car company back in the day (that was how I saw it as a kid). When she came around to me, I muttered something or other, but nobody had ever asked me those questions before so I didn't really know what to say. I have never seen anyone approach motherhood like Mary Jane, and so not only does she live on in her children, but she is as good a model of a mother anyone could find. - Posted by: neighbourhood (friend) on: Nov 08, 2020
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Andrew, Lisa and families of Mary-Jane. Please accept my condolences, though late, I only learned of your mother's passing today. Keep the memories alive as this is what will sustain you. My thoughts are with you during this very difficult loss. Irene Falconer - Posted by: Irene Falconer (friend) on: Jun 22, 2016
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Dear Mat and Family, I am deeply sorry to hear about the passing of your mother, aunt, grandmother. Mary Jane was such a lovely person. Whenever she stopped by the store she made everyone feel so special. - Posted by: Elan Marchinko (Vita Health employee) on: Jun 14, 2016
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To the entire Holtmann and Seier family --- memories of spending Sunday at the Holtmann house on Seier Bay will always be such a fond memory --- amazing dinners that MaryJane made and lots of great laughter were shared. The Faso family shares our prayers and amazing memories with all of you and our deepest sympathies --- my mom will be happy to greet MaryJane in heaven --- no doubt to find a Y neighbours group to share great times in. Thinking of you all. Jay Faso - Posted by: Jay Faso (Life long family friends) on: Jun 13, 2016
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Matt, Ashley and Caitlin, We are so sorry to hear of your loss, she sounded like a most amazing woman. Our prayers for you and your family xo - Posted by: Robert Longstaffe and Lianne Sabourin (Friends) on: Jun 09, 2016
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Prayers and Hugs from my baby girl and myself to the family . She was such a sweet woman . Everybody loved her - Posted by: Susan Button (Villa Rosa) on: Jun 09, 2016
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Our deepest sympathy , thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mary-Jane will be missed. - Posted by: Norm and Diane Ostermann () on: Jun 08, 2016
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Caitlyn,Randy, John and Nathaniel. Although we didn't know Mary-Jane well, our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your families at this sad time. Such a tragic loss, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love you all - Posted by: Teresa and Brian borysowich (Randy's aunt ) on: Jun 08, 2016
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Caitlin, our deepest sympathies to you and your family on the loss of your mom. Bob & Pat Johnson ( SMA hockey) - Posted by: Pat Johnson (SMA) on: Jun 08, 2016
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Mary-Jane was a gift to all those she would meet - Posted by: Jess (Villa Rosa) on: Jun 08, 2016
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My deepest condolences on your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Renzo. - Posted by: Renzo Mariani () on: Jun 07, 2016
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My sincere condolences for your loss. - Posted by: Sharon Baril (nee Lyon) (old family friend) on: Jun 07, 2016
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