Obituary of Mary Martha Koop

Mary Martha Koop passed into the presence of Jesus on October 15, 2023. She was born on June 29, 1931, in Ardkenneth, SK (near Beechy) to John and Helen Klassen – the seventh of eleven children. A few years later, the family moved to Port Rowan, ON. From there they moved to Vineland, ON, first renting a help house on the A. Smith farm, and later they bought a fruit farm on Moyer Road in Vineland. Mary attended Vineland Public School then Beamsville District Secondary School.

Mary married Walter Koop on July 29, 1950, at the age of 19, having met at Vineland MB Church while attending choir practices and youth events. She and Walt welcomed their first child, William, in 1952, then Gerald in 1956, and finally Frederick in 1960.

In addition to raising 3 boys, Mary worked part-time tying and cutting grapes, and helping on the Klassen fruit farm. In later years she was a self-employed drapery and slipcover seamstress for Lemke Associates, Brown’s Interiors, Nettle Creek, and Haubrok Interiors. Mary used her artistic gifts to decorate at home and the church, and never ceased to look for new ways to create beauty. She was eager to teach and pass on these gifts to her children and grandchildren.

Mary and Walt enjoyed many life-long friendships in the church and community, eventually moving to the United Mennonite Home in Vineland. The family would like to thank the UMH staff for providing excellent care and support.

Mary is survived by her children Bill (Carolyn), Jerry (Lil), Fred (Sharon), grandchildren Ryan (Becky) Koop, Janelle Koop, Marla (Jared) Schultz, Krista (Bentley) Fradette, Jennifer (Jamison) Guther, Dana (Justin) Sun, Lauren (Jacob) Adams, 6 great grandchildren, brother Peter Klassen, sisters Tillie Hall and Charlotte Willms, and many beloved Koop siblings. She is predeceased by husband Walter, granddaughter Alison Koop, parents John and Helen Klassen, and siblings Helen Friesen, Kay Moody, Agnes Mussari, John Klassen, Margaret Merakian, Dan Klassen, and Laura Fortune.

Arrangements are entrusted to Tallman Funeral Homes (3277 King St, Vineland), with visitation Thursday, October 19, 6-8 pm, and funeral service Friday, October 20, 1 pm. A private graveside celebration will take place prior to the funeral service.

Donations in memory of Mary may be made to the United Mennonite Home

The funeral service will be livestreamed. To view the livestream, at the time of the service please click here - Mary Koop Service