May 26, 1918
- May 7, 2009
Mom passed away peacefully on May 7, 2009 at the Red Deer Regional Hospital following hip surgery. Mary was born in Leader, Saskatchewan and moved to Drumheller at the age of four years. The family home was at the present hospital site. At the age of eight her family home was taken apart in pieces and floated down the river to Rosedale. Mom would chuckle about standing on the river bank with her Mother and younger brothers, watching the house come down the river, with her father and brother John sitting on top. The farm site was established and they started a market garden, selling produce, milk and eggs to the local stores and neighbors. She often spoke of the hard work on the farm and the memories of growing up with her four brothers. She attended Rosedale School where she met the love of her life and soul mate, Albert Gratz. They were married in St. Anthony’s Church in Drumheller in 1938 and raised their four children in Rosedale. Mom was a hard-working, loving wife and mother, who dedicated her life to her family. Her family always came first even it meant she went without. She was a mother to the end. Mom was an active member of the Rosedale CWL for many years, enjoyed golfing, knitting, Seniors Bowling League and was an avid Oilers and New York Yankees fan. She enjoyed her many trips to Hawaii and Jamaica with her friends. Mom resided in her own home in Rosedale until 2001 when she moved to the Sunshine Lodge and more recently to the new Hillview Lodge in Drumheller. Mom always had a smile on her face, a witty comeback for everyone, and loved to joke, sing, and yodel whenever prompted by staff, residents or visitors. Mary leaves to mourn her loss her children, Glory (David) Eccleston, Donald (Carolyn) Gratz, and Shary (Jerry) Kelm; nine grandchildren, Kerry (Devin) Szarkowicz, Caley Gratz, Cathy (Aaron) Mathers, Dan (Emilie) Gratz, Kyle Kelm, Jason Kelm, Christopher (Beverly) Gratz, Donald (Vickie) Gratz, Greg (Kandace) Gratz and six great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind a sister-in-law, Rosa Merkel, numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and her very “special” friends at the Lodge. Mary was pre-deceased by her beloved husband Albert Peter Gratz in 1975, son, Albert Frances Gratz in 1998, as well as her parents John and Katharine Merkel, and her four brothers, John, Pete, Jake and Joe Merkel. In accordance with Mary’s wishes a private family service was held on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 in St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church with Father Wayne Poile officiating. Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Hillview Lodge Activities Fund, Drumheller & District Seniors Foundation, 696 – 6th Ave. East, Drumheller, AB. T0J 0Y5. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Sunshine Lodge and Hillview Lodge for their kindness and compassion shown Mom during her 8 year stay with them. Our dear Mom and Dad are together again in everlasting peace and will forever be in our hearts.
