MARY VIVIAN RIEGER

(nee Zarazun)

March 26, 1928 - August 16, 2025

Our beloved mom, grandma, and aunt to many, Mary passed surrounded by love with family at her side.

She was predeceased by her husband Victor (d. 2017).

Left to mourn are her daughters Jane (Earl) and Debbie; grandchildren Lindsay (Vanessa), Kelley (Bob), Lindsay, Bobbie, Jaime, Suzanne (Brad) and Robynne (Jordan): great- grandchildren Josh, Maddy, Tarrin, Makenna, Jonah, Phoenix, Rowyn, Tayler, Jordyn, Malakai, Cayden, Dayton, Kohen, Walker and Addy: great-great grandchild Kian; her brother Adam (Bev); in-laws Shirley and Emily and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Mary was born in Tiny, Saskatchewan, the daughter of Joseph and Pauline Zarazun and was one of eleven children. Mary moved to Winnipeg at the age of sixteen and began work as a nanny. In July of 1948, she married the love of her life, Victor (Vic). They enjoyed 68 years together. Over the years, Mary worked in numerous sewing factories and raised Jane and Debbie in the family home. She spent many of those years sewing clothing for the kids, cooking, gardening and caring for the family. Mary and Vic spent their early retirement in British Columbia and later returned home to Winnipeg. Family was the most important thing to Mary, gaining an extra daughter, Kathy and three sons, Garry, Brian and Keith over time. Mary was loved and respected by her family and friends. With her heart of gold and sense of humour, she led the family with unconditional love, honesty, strength and compassion.

Mary was known for her soups at Christmas, her cinnamon buns for every occasion, and her cabbage rolls, perogies and borscht were second to none. Mary loved playing cards and games, known for cheating, but no one could ever catch her. She also loved crocheting, knitting and quilting for both family and those in need. She taught us all to laugh, love, and the value of fairness and kindness. Mary was always known as the best dressed on every occasion. She kept her independence, with the help of family, right until the end, and was an inspiration to us by facing life's challenges with courage, resilience and a positive outlook. Her wit and teasing of everyone will never be forgotten.

"Mom, grandma, aunty, we will all miss you! Thank you for being you!"

Special thanks to the staff of Concordia Hospital for their care and compassion.

Funeral Service to celebrate her life will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street.  Interment will be at Chapel Lawn, 4000 Portage Ave. following the service and luncheon.

Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made in Mary’s memory to Heart and Stroke Foundation and Arthritis Society Canada.