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 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com