Mavis Gwynette Toews was born on March 6, 1957, to Claude and Mae Goossen Toews, in Three Hills, Alberta. On May 24, 2026, after a short yet courageous battle with cancer, she peacefully slipped away, surrounded by her family. She was 69.

Mom was the second of five children. She lived in the Linden-Carbon area, until the family relocated to Sinclair, MB, in 1959. This was home throughout her childhood and several years of married life. She committed her life to Jesus and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, on the same day as Dad--November 12, 1972. Her strength through God carried her throughout her entire life.

Mom completed ten years of schooling, and was a talented athlete, winning multiple medals in track and field. She played baseball and was known as a heavy hitter, preferring to be at bat when the bases were loaded, so she could bring everyone home. At home, she was her Dad's right-hand man, helping out with the farm work and pig chores. After she finished her schooling, she took a more central role in helping her family with their foster children, as well as babysitting for the neighbours. She started working at Westman Nursing Home in 1978, and worked there until November 1981

On December 20, 1981, she was united in marriage to our Dad, Hilton Toews, also of Sinclair, MB. They began their married life together and lived in Sinclair for five years. In 1986 they moved to Norquay, SK. Mom and Dad and their 3 boys made the journey in the single cab 74 Ford, with the grain truck, dog, and auger in tow. Here, they were blessed with another son and finally, a daughter. In 2005, they became foster parents. They opened their home and hearts to many children throughout the years, ultimately adding four sons, bringing the family total to eight sons and one daughter. Mom loved each of her children fiercely and unconditionally.

Mom's greatest joy in life was her family, children and grandchildren. She filled her home and life with love and living things. She always grew a massive garden, and every spring she filled her flower beds, planters, and hanging baskets with vibrant flowers. She was an animal lover and we had many animals growing up-chickens, goats, a pig, horses, and more, It was a familiar sight to see Mom on her daily walk with her animals trailing along behind. She was an excellent chef, preparing endless meals and baking innumerable dozens of buns to keep her hungry boys fed.

There was no such thing as too many books-old books being her favorite. Dad built her loor-to-ceiling bookshelves that couldn't contain her library. She had a knack for storytelling For years she recorded the everyday happenings of life on the farm. Everyone looked forward to her diary, even those who lived with her, as she told the story of our lives with such humour She lived her life in service to others, a caregiver to the very end. She folded her last load of the never-ending laundry on the day before she left us.

On the day of her 50th birthday, Mom received the results of her cancer diagnosis. This was a difficult time, but she faced it bravely, completing treatments and gaining remission. Soon after this, her siblings gifted Mom and Dad the trip of a lifetime. They traveled to England for a week, an experience Mom spoke of often--truly a highlight of her life.

On April 9, 2026, we got official word that after 19 years, Mom's cancer had returned. This was a heavy blow for her but she did not let that stop her from living. She came home on May 6 and, while many things had changed for her, she was fiercely determined to live all the life hat she could with the time she had left. The loss of our Mom leaves a space that can never be filled and she will be greatly missed by all those fortunate enough to know her.

Those left to cherish her memories include her devoted husband of 44 years, Hilton Toews, and children, Gregory and Jo Toews (Taylor and Akiya), Doug and Beth Toews (Nevaeh Brandi, Shane), Chad and Heather Toews (Brodie, Savannah, Damian), Brent and Jordann: Toews (Bruno), Carla Toews, Tameron Toews (Sylvie), Tristan Toews, Terry Toews, and Alex ľoews. Her Mom, Mae Toews and siblings, Lynn Toews, Bev and Greg Webb, Wendel anc Maxine Toews, Tim and Sharon Toews, in-laws, nieces and nephews, and many special friends. She was predeceased by her Dad, Claude Toews, her parents in law, Robert and Elma Toews, a brother-in-law, a nephew, and an infant grandchild, River.

Funeral Services were held on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the North Star Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, Hyas, Saskatchewan. Interment followed in the North Star Mennonite Church Cemetery.