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Lessons from grandmother

5/1/2019

3 Comments

 
Picture
Mary Vos and her family
Monica Boehm (St. Michael Catholic Community) turns 30 this year, and she will welcome her third child in August. This Mother’s Day, she reflects on how her grandmother, Mary Vos, already had seven children by the same age.

“I have deep admiration for her (doing that) at that time. I look at her at that age as really giving her whole life to having children and raising children,” said Monica.  

“She is very selfless. I just find motherhood more difficult than she found it. Maybe it came naturally to her, or maybe it didn’t. She did struggle. I know there were times where it was hard.” 

“As a mother myself, she has always taught me the importance of unconditional love, and slowing down the time we have with (our children) because the world moves so quickly around us. To raise our children to be mindful, kind and caring people.” 
Monica describes her 88-year-old grandmother as the matriarch of the family. With 11 children, 51 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, Mary and her late husband Hank have left an incredible legacy.

“She’s the head mother that I look toward, and I base my motherhood off of her,” said Monica. “She would not just get us together, but get us having fun and bonding. She has a ton of energy. And she is so stylish. Her hat and shoes always go together. She presents herself very well.” 

Every December, Mary hosts a Christmas party at a downtown hotel for her entire extended family. They go skating in Olympic Plaza, swimming at the hotel pool, followed by Mass, dinner and a talent show where everyone is encouraged to perform. 
Mary, who sings and plays piano, has always tried to develop her children’s musical talent. The family created an album under the name ‘Vos Family Singers,’ performing at the Calgary Stampede, the Spokane World's Fair, the Montreal Olympics and a tour of Great Britain.

But while music is important, it is Mary’s Catholic faith that is the foundation for her close-knit family. A long-time St. Michael Community parishioner, she attends the parish with several of her children and grandchildren, including Monica. 

“She is always telling us to surround ourselves with those who enhance our walk with Jesus. That’s her big reminder to us in our lives. She always reminds us to trust God’s timing. And also to place your anxieties on the Lord,” said Monica.

After Mary’s husband Henry died four years ago, Mary got a custom rosary made with the initials of her grandchildren engraved on each bead. She dedicates a Hail Mary to each of her grandchildren as she prays the rosary daily and afterward, she sends a text to whichever grandchild came to mind during her prayer.  

Mary has managed to pass on a Marian devotion down through the generations. Growing up, Monica remembers her mother Cathy Sandquist’s desire to imitate Mary, Mother of God and Matriarch of the faith. “I always remember my mom saying ‘let me be more like the Virgin Mary.’”

According to Monica, faith and family is the foundation upon which Mary has built her life and created a legacy for generations to come. 

Written by Sara Francis
3 Comments
Maureen Bibby
5/2/2019 01:22:16 pm

lovely to see my cousin's daughter , Monica
honour , her grandmother, my treasured aunt , Mary Vos.

She is gift in my life , faith-filled, a bundle of energy
and a great traveling companion.

alleluia
maureen b

Reply
Jay sandquist
5/2/2019 05:32:16 pm

Awesome true story ,An awesome woman that loves Jesus and her Catholic faith. I am blessed to be a part of this family! And married to Cathy her oldest daughter! God Bless Mama Mary and Papa Hank

Reply
Theresa Langfield
5/3/2019 08:35:22 pm

I am so proud to call this beautiful lady Mom. She truly has a strength and character about her that has given her the ability to create anything she sets her mind to. As a mother and wife that was always open to life she has encountered so much of what God has promised to Abrahams descendants. We have all been so blessed by her abundant faith and perseverance for every one of life‘s challenges and this truly is the inheritance that we pray will know and will pass on to our children and our children’s children! By the grace of God I have shared the abundant blessings of motherhood with six beautiful children of my own. I would greatly encourage all young mothers to have the faith that transcends all understanding when they come to know the richness of motherhood. I am so proud of my sweet godchild Monica that initiated this beautiful tribute to her grandmother... Nonnie. You are a beautiful young wife and mother Monica… continue to be a witness for this young generation as you persevere in faith and hope and Thanksgiving for the beautiful gift of motherhood. You are doing a beautiful job young lady. Continue to be and light to all young mothers and you will know the abundant blessings that your Nonnie has taught you.

Mother, Daughter,Godmother
Theresa Vos/Langfield
Happy Mother’s Day ❣️❣️❣️

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