Obituary of Gertrude Susan Mass

February 9, 1927 - Leader, Saskatchewan

August 29, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Gertrude Mass was born on her parents’ farm near Liebenthal, SK, on February 9, 1927. She was the eldest child of Margaret and Alexander Lutz. Gertrude was blessed with three siblings, two brothers, Felix and Andrew (deceased at birth), and one sister Marlene.

Mom married the love of her life, Edmund Mass, at Sacred Heart Parish on November 20, 1944. They farmed four miles south of Liebenthal, SK, on Grandpa Mass’s original homestead, which was built around 1912.

Mom was predeceased by her parents, brothers, Felix and Andrew, her husband Edmund, son Ted, sons-in-law, Larry Lucas and Jeff Einarson; and brother-in-law David Oscarson. She is mourned by her sister Marlene Lutz, children, Robert Mass, Sandra Lucas, and Karen Einarson; daughter-in-law Brigitte Mass, daughter-in-law Bonnie Mass, son-in-law Daryl Morel, grandchildren, Michael (Debbie) Mass, Steven (Jen) Mass, Shelley Mass, Curtis (Nadine) Mass, Heather (partner Reece) Mass, Jasen (Jen) Lucas, Ryan (Tiffany) Lucas, Kyle (fiancée Lydia) Einarson, and Ashley (Carlos) Juarez; She also leaves to mourn nine great-grandchildren, Courtland, Braden, Meagan, Nicole, Charlotte, Emma, Owen, Maya, and Isaac.

Mom and dad were married in Liebenthal, SK, and in 1962, dad made one epic decision to move us to Calgary, AB. Too many crop failures helped this decision, and we never regretted the move. Mom wanted to get a driver's license in the city, and we all vetoed that idea quickly. Driving in summer fallow was not the same as driving in a city of 180 thousand people. Ted and Robert can attest to getting their foreheads bumped many times on the truck dashboard because mom could never master how to use a clutch. The family grew in leaps and bounds, good times and hard times, but us children were always number one. We cannot say enough about how much our parents and grandparents raised us and taught us the value of hard work, respect for our elders, and giving us the moral compass we needed to get by. When dad passed, mom was our rock in many respects, talking to children and grandchildren privately when issues needed to be dealt with. Their house was the gathering place for reunions, holidays, marriages, and yes, funerals. As mom grew older, she managed on her own until her 96th year. We all can remember her climbing upstairs on her hands and knees from her basement carrying potatoes, onions, canned food, etc., in her sweater pockets for supper. She wanted to do it on her own. She followed exercises recommended by her doctor and physiotherapists. Her garden was her life, just like it was for her parents. It was her happy place and her borscht soup with all those veggies was amazing. Mom’s coffee cake and other meals were from recipes she got from her parents, or the Catholic Women’s League recipe books, which were too many to remember.

Mom lived in our old Calgary home for 60 years until her 96th birthday, but age caught up with her and after several falls and incidents, it forced her to move to Revera Care Center in August of 2023. She survived falls, boredom in hospital rooms with no television for one and a half months, and even covid. Her heart and will were strong but God called her home, and as she passed away she spent her last hours praying and asking for God's forgiveness. The day she passed was also her father’s birthday, so we will take that as a blessing and a reminder that some things are meant to be. We are so very proud to call her our mom and definitely count our blessings.

We wish to thank neighbors Ken and Melissa, and the amazing staff at Revera Care Center. You made a big difference in her life, and we are forever grateful for your kindness.

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McInnis & Holloway (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Luke’s Catholic Church (Corner of 1566 Northmount Dr NW, Calgary, AB), on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Mausoleum (3219 4 St NW, Calgary, AB T2M 3A6). Reception to follow in the Parish Hall.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Gertrude’s family here.

In living memory of Gertrude Mass, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.