Maria NienaberSeptember 1, 1912 - January 24, 2012
The death of Mrs. Maria (nee Niekamp) Nienaber of St. Mary's Villa, Humboldt, SK, occurred at her residence on Tuesday, January 24, 2012. She was 99 years of age. Maria was born on September 1, 1912, to Clemens and Maria (nee Schlomer) Niekamp in Essen, Oldenburg, Germany. In 1928, at the age of 16, she immigrated to Canada with her parents, brothers and sisters. Initially, the Niekamp family resided on a farm north of St. Gregor. The following spring, they moved to their homestead, also in the St. Gregor district. Maria took on various jobs to help support the family. On May 17, 1932, she married Henry Nienaber in Annaheim. They purchased a homestead five miles north of St. Gregor, along the Annaheim/St. Gregor road, where they raised a family of 12, nine sons and three daughters. Often, the Nienaber home was a stopping place for weary travellers. On stormy days particularly, it was a source of warmth and refuge for many. Times were hard, especially during the depression, but in spite of the hardships there was happiness and comfort to be found in the Nienaber home. The long winter nights would find Maria busy mending and sewing for her family. As well, Maria studied the English language in more detail with her son Joe after he started school. An avid gardener with a very "green thumb", many fulfilling hours were spent planting and harvesting her produce every year. Maria also enjoyed quilting, crocheting, and playing cards. Her happiest moments were those spent at home with all her family present, whatever the occasion. In 1965, Henry passed away. Maria continued to live on the farm with her son John until 1988. At that time, she moved into Chapman Place in Humboldt and resided there until May 2010 when failing health necessitated a move to the nursing home. She had always been in relatively good health until then, which was a real blessing. Maria will be lovingly remembered by six sons and three daughters: Joseph Nienaber and Agnes (Richard) Muyres, all of Humboldt; Freda (Leo) Hilgers of Muenster, SK; Bennedict Nienaber of Annaheim, SK; Henry (Deanna) Nienaber Jr. of Saskatoon, SK; Martin (Donna) Nienaber of Rocanville, SK; Raymond (Brenda) Nienaber and Clem (Wendy) Nienaber, all of Saskatoon; and Ramona (Frank) Munkler of Edson, AB; one brother, Bernard (Anna) Niekamp of Humboldt; 31 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and by numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Henry Nienaber (1965); three sons: Conrad Nienaber (1992), John Nienaber (2004), and Rudolph Nienaber (2007); one daughter-in-law, Linda Nienaber (2011); parents, Clemens and Maria (nee Schlomer) Niekamp; and by one sister and three brothers: Johanna (Joseph) Nienaber, Henry Niekamp (in infancy, in Germany), Joseph (Bernadine) (Isabel) Niekamp, and Clemence (Katherine) Niekamp. The Prayer Service for Maria was held at St. Augustine R.C. Church, Humboldt, on Friday, January 27, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., led by Marlene VanDresar and organist Dolores Hinz. Scripture readers were Shannon Nienaber and Aileen Nienaber-Loxterkamp and words of remembrance were delivered by Trent Nienaber. The Funeral Mass was offered at St. Augustine R.C. Church on Saturday, January 28, 2012, at 10:00 a.m., concelebrated by Abbot Peter Novecosky, OSB, Fr. Daniel Muyres, OSB, Fr. Bernard Stauber, OSB, and Fr. Rudolph Novecosky, OSB. Others taking part were: Nicole Nienaber, cross bearer; Gerard Muyres and Blayn Nienaber, scripture readers; Ann Cook and Mark Hetherington, intentions; Jennifer Weber and Jody Nienaber, gift bearers; Henry Nienaber, Clem Nienaber and Martin Nienaber, eucharistic ministers. Music ministry was provided by organist Dolores Hinz and the St. Augustine Parish Funeral Choir. Honorary pallbearers were "all those who shared in Maria's life." Active pallbearers were Eugene Muyres, Les Hilgers, Mitchell Nienaber, Ashley Nienaber, Kurt Nienaber, and Scott Munkler. Interment followed at St. Ann's R.C. Cemetery, Annaheim. Memorial donations may be directed to either the St. Mary's Villa Foundation or the St. Ann's R.C. Cemetery Fund. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
