Obituary of Margaret Heppner

November 3, 1931 - October 1, 2022

90 Years

Margaret Fenella Heppner (nee Unruh) was the 3rd child of 6, born to Katherine Unruh (nee Dueck) and Joel Unruh on November 3, 1931, in Laird Saskatchewan. The young Unruh family struggled, as many families did in the height of the great depression, but she always talked of the love that was triumphant over many hardships. Margaret lost her mother when she was 6 years old, and life became even more challenging for a young heartbroken father. In search of a better living, the family moved to California when Margaret was entering her final year of high school. Prior to the move, Margaret met Peter Heppner and they were both smitten. Pete followed the family to California finding work as a farm hand. The two became engaged when Margaret was 18 and married on September 26, 1950, in Laird where they started a life together on the Heppner family farm. Margaret was a hard worker always willing and able to partner with her Pete.

In 1957 Pete and Margaret welcomed Glenn the first of 4 children lovingly adopted. Lorne arrived in 1959, Rosemary (Dyck) in 1962, and Linda in 1966. The Heppner household was a hub of activity for friends and family daily. All were welcome and treated with love, kindness, and generosity. Margaret spent much of her time in those years in her garden and her kitchen cooking and baking for her family and all who came for a coffee and a visit. There was no one that could out-cook Margaret. Theirs was a happy home filled with Love.

In 1994, Margaret lost her Pete when the Lord took him home quite suddenly. As Margaret adjusted to a different life, she leaned on God to whom she had committed her life as a child. She learned to engage with her friends and family (especially Linda) in a new way and became an active member of the Laird senior’s community and the Laird Mennonite Church. Margaret was a contributor no matter what her circumstances.

When her health failed, she moved to the Rosthern Mennonite Nursing Home where she resided until her death.

Margaret is survived by her sister Anne; her children Glenn, Lorne (Audrey), Rosemary Dyck (Tim), Linda (Taras); 6 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her husband Peter J Heppner; her parents; her brothers Joel and Roger; and her sisters Helen and Katherine.

It is with grateful hearts we say thank you for the compassionate care of the nurses and caregivers at the Rosthern Mennonite Nursing Home. Family and friends are invited to the Interment Service at Laird Cemetery, Thursday, October 6, 2022, at 1:00 pm.  Following the interment, a Memorial Service will be held at 2:30 pm at Funk’s Funeral Chapel with chaplain Amos Fehr officiating.

Arrangements entrusted to Funk's Funeral Home, Rosthern, SK (www.funksfuneralhome.ca)