Obituary for Mary Pingert (Lupul): January 24, 1926 – January 17, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Mary Pingert (née Lupul) on January 17, 2025, at the Breton Long Term Care facility, just days shy of her 99th birthday.
She was predeceased by her husband, Wilfred “Ted” Pingert; her parents, William and Julianna Lupul; her four brothers; two sisters; and great grandchildren, Izak and Mika Pingert.
Mary Pingert is survived by her loving son, Richard (Shirley) Pingert of Ponoka, AB, and their children: Ricky, Rod, Krista, and Tasha; her daughter, Carol (Harold) Baran of Kelowna, BC, and their children: Angie and Gail; her daughter, Susan (Ralph) Hubl of Canal Flats, BC, and their children: Lisa, Lona, and TJ; and her daughter, Bev (Bernie) Scwindt of Breton, AB, and their children: Des and Shauna.
Mary’s legacy lives on through her 17 great-grandchildren: Zoe & Katie Pingert, Maya Pingert, Amy Shultz, Rebecca & Travis Erickson, Kaytie Kane, Braiden & Kylie Blough, Cameron & Kaiden Pingert, Oliver & Charlie Williams, Payton, Wyatt & Harper Schwindt, and Evie Schwindt.
Born on January 24, 1926, in Glasnevin, Saskatchewan, Mary grew up in a family that followed the railways as her father worked as a Section Foreman. The family later settled in Forget, Saskatchewan, where Mary attended school at the convent until grade 8, learning piano from the nuns before finishing her education in public school.
Mary’s journey was one of resilience and determination. As a young woman, she worked in cafes and homes, eventually moving with her family to Ogema, Saskatchewan. It was there she met her husband, Wilfred, while working at a local café. They married on October 30, 1944, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with hard work, love, and family.
Starting their life together with a quarter section of land, some cattle, and horses gifted by Wilfred’s father, Mary and Wilfred built their farm and family from the ground up. Through bunkhouses and a home they gradually built over four years, they created a thriving life, raising four children on the farm from 1944 to 1985.
In 1980, Mary and Wilfred transitioned into semi-retirement, moving a Nelson home into Pangman, Saskatchewan. Wilfred completed the interior finishing work himself, and from there, they continued to farm for another five years before fully retiring.
When Wilfred passed away on September 17, 2013, Mary spent several months with her children, sister, and brother. After returning home, a fall prompted her to sell her house in July 2014. She moved to Drayton Valley Sunrise Village, where she enjoyed the next chapter of her life surrounded by community and family.
A lifelong learner and adventurer, Mary obtained her first passport later in life and traveled to places she had only dreamed of, including Hawaii, Phoenix, and Laughlin. These trips brought her immense joy, broadening her horizons and creating memories she cherished.
Mary was the heart and soul of her family and farm. She raised chickens to earn money for fabric, sewing everything from everyday clothes to skating costumes, cheerleading uniforms, wedding dresses, and more. Her hands were never idle helping in the fields, milking cows, hauling bales, driving grain trucks, preserving food, and butchering chickens.
Amid the hard work, Mary found joy in her passions. She loved playing baseball, curling, bingo, gardening, and playing cards. A true community spirit, she was a proud member of the Catholic Women’s League (CWL), the Amulet Community Club, and even drove the school bus for many years, braving Saskatchewan’s winter roads.
Mary’s legacy is one of resilience, love, and devotion. She was a remarkable woman who balanced the demands of farm life with the care and attention of raising her family. Her faith, strength, and compassion shaped the lives of those she touched, leaving a profound impact on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Mary’s family extends their gratitude to the staff at Breton Long Term Care for their care and kindness during her final years.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Mary was celebrated on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. from St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church, Weyburn, Saskatchewan with Father Louis Abello celebrating. Interment followed at Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn, Saskatchewan. The Pallbearers were Mary’s grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Mary will be dearly missed but forever remembered in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. “Her hands worked tirelessly, her heart gave endlessly, and her love will forever live on in her family and friends.” may be made in Mary’s memory
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mary may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences may be left at:
Services in Care of Fletcher Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services, Weyburn, Saskatchewan, 306-842-5432
