MARY ELIZABETH HEMBROFF
November 10th, 1925 – February 1st, 2024
Ever so peacefully with family by her side, Mary Elizabeth Hembroff departed this life at 98 years of age, on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. Mary lived a remarkable life, living alongside the river in Churchill Park, River Valley in Moose Jaw, SK for 74 years. Mary had a captivating energy and contagious laugh, transcending onto whomever she encountered. Mary’s endless love of people had others gravitating towards her throughout her life.
Mary Wells was born at Wesleyville, Bonavista Bay, Newfoundland on November 10th, 1925. In 1928, her family relocated to Moose Jaw when her father came to work on the Canadian Pacific Railway. Mary attended Ross School and often spoke of teachers and childhood friends who extended kindness her way. In her teenage years she worked at the Palm Dairies. Mary met Bob Hembroff and the two were married on April 27th, 1946. Together they turned a house into a beautiful riverside home, raising six sons, hosting many parties, and building generational memories. Mary and Bob were active members of the Kinsmen/Kinettes, where they formed many life-long friendships.
Mary was always on the move and enjoyed many sports: hockey in her youth, yoga, swimming, long distance running, canoeing, badminton, and racquetball. Mary’s most loved sport was tennis where she continued to crave and excel in fierce competition well into her seventies. Mary rarely declined an invite to attend a wedding, musical, drama production, supper at the lake, or join family on vacations. Her most favorite invite was cheering her great-grandchildren on at their sporting events. Aside from her family, Mary’s most notable accomplishment was being a recipient of the Moose Jaw YMCA Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award reserved for those serving a lifetime of volunteerism.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband of forty-one years, Robert (Bob) Hembroff, and his parents Willard and Myrtle; her parents, George and Hetti Wells; siblings: Frank, Clarence, Nora, Cecil, Schrapnel, Daisy, and Jack; daughter-in-law, Margot; and countless cherished friends. Mary will be eternally missed by her six sons: David, Rick (Cheryl), Mike (Verna), Tim (Connie), Kevin (Bev), and Brian (Teresa); brother, Norman; sister, Greta; grandchildren: Darren (Kim), Brad, Melissa, Nick (Courtney), Kimberly (Steve), Marty (Christa), Carrie (Brad), Tammy (Tom), Teah (Chad), Jason (Kelly), Lindsay (Matt), Dustin (Melanie), Robert (Danielle), and Chet; great-grandchildren: Ashlee (Brett), Allee, Aymee, Shyla, Logan, Declan, Emmett, Shayla (Brayden), Janayah, Madison (Aidan), Caelyn, Easton, Taylor (Seb), Bransen, Matthew (Renae), Hannah, Graeme, Adelin, Everly, Kash, Maggie, Jack, Luke, Colton, Brady, Daisy, and Archie; and great-great-grandchildren, Clay and Carter. She will also be missed by many treasured friends including the congregation of Trinity United Church.
The family wishes to thank Dr. King and all the caring staff Chateau St. Michael’s for ensuring Mary’s final days were filled with comfort and laughter. Thank you to the staff at Moose Jaw Funeral Home for compassionately guiding us through our grief. May we all remember to laugh, give back, and elevate one another as Mary so passionately did.
The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 1st, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home. Pastor Walter Engel will officiate and interment will take place at Rosedale Cemetery. Those not able to attend may view the service virtually by going to www.moosejawfuneralhome.com/webcast/. In the spirit of Mary’s active life and love of children and sports, donations in her memory may be made online at KidSportCanada.ca or by mail to KidSport Moose Jaw, PO Box 1811, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 7K8. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
We want to extend our most sincere condolences to the everyone in the Hembroff family during this time. Treasure your memories of this wonderful lady. She always lived life to the fullest.
Our deepest condolences to all the Hembroff family. This is a beautiful tribute to a very special lady. We didn’t meet Mary until Chad and Teah got married and she graciously hosted their wedding in her beautiful yard. I didn’t see her often but when I did talk to her I was always amazed at her strength, her independence, her zest for life, which she passed on to all of you. She was a true matriarch of her family. She was blessed with a long life-a life well lived. We know you will all miss her very much.
Joan and Clayton Leugner and family
My condolences to the family. My mom was a friend of Mary’s and talked about her fondly. The tales of fatty club lol.
Most heartfelt condolences to all of Mary’s boys and their families. Especially Tim & Kevin. She was definitely an amazing lady that lived life to the fullest. Keep the memories close.
Condolences to the family at this sad time . Mary was an ultimate loss to everyone who who knew her . She will be remembered forever .
I’d like to extend my deepest condolences to the entire Hembroff family during this difficult time. Mary was a generous kindhearted lady whose positivity brought a smile to my face every time I saw her. Her beautiful soul will be missed by all who were touched by her charm.
RIP Mary
To all of Mary’s Family.. Our deepest condolences to all of you. Cliff and I are so blessed to have know Mary. She lived her life to the fullest, with humor, laughter and above all the deep love she had for her family.. Such an amazing lady. May your memories carry each of you through this difficult time. Rest easy Mary… Cliff and Doris
My deepest condolences to the Hembroff family on the loss of your mother. Although I did not have the honor to meet her the stories I heard she sounded like an amazing woman.
To all the Hembroff families thoughts go out to you. We are sure you all will have many favorite memories to share.
Sherlyn and Doug
Rick, Cheryl and all the Hembroff family our sincere condolences on your mother’s passing.
Our sincere condolences to you and your family Wayne and Helen Clayton
Forever loved ❤️ and forever missed with all our love Bob, Tracie, Jeremy and Kelli
What a wonderful lady! I was so fortunate to have known her. My thoughts are with the Hembroff family at this sad time.
Sorry to hear that the family has lost a wonderful woman! On several walks in the park we would stop and visit with her and always knew who I was and seemed to be outside all summer! She had a remarkable life and was blessed to have a big family! My thoughts are with you at this time! Don Dutchak, Lacombe Ab.
My sincerest condolences to the Hembroff family.
Gary Thronberg
Director of Care
Chateau St. Michael’s
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To Brian and Family sorry for your Mothers passing . She was a very nice lady Greg Nicholls.
So sorry to hear of Mary’s passing.
My deepest sympathy to the family.
Mary was a treasure. All those years on the river, all those floods!
Survived them all!
Social butterfly! Many fond memories.
Sorry for your loss
To all of Mary’s family. Sorry to hear the loss of your Mom. She was such an amazing lady. Our thoughts are with you.
To David, Rick, Mike, Tim, Kevin, Brian, and all the rest of the family, our sincere condolences on your mother’s passing. After our family moved to Churchill park in 1969, Mary and my mother Kay became lifelong friends: planting flowers in Wakamow together, playing tennis, sharing time and activities, swapping stories. I recall how proud Mary was the day Wakamow asked her (albeit on short notice!) to cut the ribbon at the ceremony to officially open the new pedestrian bridge, as the Park’s longest resident. Your Mom was a force of nature, you will have many memories to treasure that will keep her alive in your hearts. So sorry for your loss.
Kim Krueger and Marlowe Dumont