FINISH LINES Leona Esther Sawatsky Mar. 15, 1924–Oct. 10, 2017
BIRTHPLACE Hepburn, Sask. PARENTS David H. & Annie (Ewert) Warkentin MARRIAGE Abram J. Sawatsky, June 4, 1944 [d. Aug. 5, 1966] BAPTISM South Abbotsford (B.C.) MB, 1940 CHURCH County Line Baptist, Aldergrove, B.C.; West Portal
MB, Saskatoon; Kelowna (B.C.) MB; Bethesda MB, Huron, S.D.; Bakerview MB, Abbotsford, B.C.; Fraserview MB, Richmond, B.C. FAMILY children Ken, Marlene Sawatsky Hohm, Dan, Sharon Schermbrucker, Dorothy, David, Ron; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 4 siblings
A sermon series by J.B. Toews at South Abbotsford MB Church led 14-year-old Leona to realize she needed forgiveness and peace. She began Bible studies in 1942–43 at Elim Bible Institute, Yarrow, B.C., where she met Abe. The next year, she attended Prairie Bible Institute, Three Hills, Alta. Leona and Abe studied at MB Bible College, Winnipeg, then served together some 20 years in Aldergrove, B.C.; Saskatoon; Kelowna, B.C.; and Huron, S.D. Shortly after the family returned to Canada for Abe’s cancer treatments, he died when Leona was 42. Carried by faith, Leona raised the 6 children still at home. With God as her strength, she grew in independence and determination. Leona worked at Columbia Junior College and Block Brothers Realty, Vancouver, where she found joy and respect. The Sawatsky family supported her. At Fraserview MB Church, Richmond, B.C., Leona served as deacon, choir member, and Sunday school volunteer. She travelled Indonesia, Austria, Israel, Russia, and Italy. In 2001, Leona published a memoir, Close to the Earth. She lived at Maplewood Senior Care Society, Abbotsford, B.C., 2013–17. Leona modelled devotion to God and family. She biked Stanley Park with her grandchildren. They saw her march for peace and, by learning to swim, conquer fear. Leona endured memory loss with amazing grace.
Margaret Evelyn Enns Dec. 31, 1922–Nov. 2, 2017
BIRTHPLACE Karaguy, Orenburg, Russia PARENTS Gerhard & Katharina Reimer MARRIAGE John Enns, 1949 [d.1994] CHURCH Coaldale (Alta.) MB FAMILY children Bill (Marlene), Janice (Wayne), Linda (Lyse);
5 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren
At 3, Margaret immigrated to Canada with her family. They lived in southern Saskatchewan, then moved to Fairholme, Sask., to homestead with her dad’s brother. Both families later
28
Spring 2018 | mbherald.com
settled in Coaldale, Alta. In her youth, Margaret dedicated her life to Jesus, and this relationship sustained her. Margaret and John were a great team. She loved her grandchildren as much as she loved her children, and that love flowed back to her. Margaret and John travelled to the U.S., the Caribbean, Australia, and New Zealand. They enjoyed playing board and card games. When John died, Margaret lost her best friend, but she courageously carried on. For 10 tax seasons, she enjoyed working alongside her son Bill at his accounting firm. She continued to find adventure in Europe, California, and B.C. with her daughter Linda. Her nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren were cherished. In her last year, Margaret moved to her daughter Janice’s Saskatchewan farm. Margaret was her family’s cheerleader.
Susie Alice (Giesbrecht) Derksen Dec. 6, 1916–Nov. 4, 2017 BIRTHPLACE Wohldemfuerst, Kuban, Russia PARENTS Peter P. Giesbrecht & Elisabeth Wittenberg Giesbrecht MARRIAGE Jacob (Jake) G. Derksen, 1938 [d. 1994] BAPTISM Yarrow (B.C.) MB, 1935 FAMILY children Jack (Jenny), Ed (Dianna), Caroline (Juan Vila), Susan (Alan DeLong); 8 grandchildren; 11 greatgrandchildren; 2 brothers
In a Russian village, Susie experienced war, revolution, and homelessness early in life. Her family’s flight from Russia started in 1924 when they immigrated to Mexico, and ended in 1928 when they settled in Yarrow, B.C. Susie and husband Jake made Yarrow their lifelong home. They both had entrepreneurial personalities and made their living in a variety of ways. They became raspberry farmers and landlords, active community volunteers and leaders. Since 2013, when Susie needed too much assistance to live on her own, she was cared for by Cascade Lodge staff and regularly visited by many family and friends. Susie and Jake lived vibrant, compassionate lives, which came to include 4 children, a foster son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The seeds of love they planted in their offspring continue to grow in new generations. Theirs is a rich legacy of love, faith, and cooperation. “To lend each other a hand when we’re falling…. Perhaps that’s the only work that matters in the end” (F. Buechner). Predeceased by 9 siblings, Susie was loved to the end by her 2 remaining brothers and many Giesbrecht nephews and nieces. Yarrow MB was Susie’s home church since 1928. After almost 101 years of courageous living, Susie died peacefully in Chilliwack, B.C. She was buried in Yarrow Cemetery, which she and others renovated after Jake died in 1994.
Susie Thiessen Dec. 30, 1916–Nov. 4, 2017
BIRTHPLACE Spat, Crimea, Ukraine PARENTS Peter & Elizabeth (Penner) Harder MARRIAGE David Thiessen, Mar. 27, 1942 BAPTISM Coaldale (Alta.) MB, Sept. 20, 1936 FAMILY David; children Victor, Verner, Edna Jane, Wanda (Bill)
Clarke; 9 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren
Susie immigrated to Canada with her parents and 9 siblings in 1925, settling in Coaldale, Alta. Susie loved farm life, especially watching her father feed the pigeons and chickens. She completed Grade 8. Susie memorized countless Scripture verses, which proved a comfort to her. She looked forward to quilting and sewing with the Coaldale MB ladies group. After working in Calgary as a housemaid, she happily returned to the farm. Susie loved to sing. Susie and David were married 75 years. Susie was a prayer warrior, praying her way through her family and the church directory. She studied her Bible faithfully and listened to Christian radio with joy. After a stroke in her 70s, Susie became housebound. With David’s unfailing support, she persevered and moved forward, despite limited mobility. She was cared for at home until moving to Coaldale Health Care Centre in May 2017. Although her “new normal” was challenging, she embraced change with courage. Susie gave of herself, supporting many ministries, some for more than 60 years. Expressing thankfulness to family, friends, and caregivers came naturally to her. Susie longed to be reunited with family members already celebrating in their heavenly home.
George Olfert Apr. 24, 1929–Nov. 24, 2017
BIRTHPLACE Rosengart, Man. PARENTS Heinrich & Margareta (Van Kampen) Olfert MARRIAGE Agatha Boldt, Sept. 25, 1953 CHURCH Elmwood MB, Winnipeg; First Baptist, Nanaimo, B.C. FAMILY Agatha; children Richard (Janice), Nancy, Timothy;
grandson Theodore
George grew up on a farm in McCreary, Man. After graduating from Winkler (Man.) High School in 1947, he started his teaching career on permit in Birch River, then completed normal school and taught in Lowe Farm, Winkler, Swan River, and Kronsgart. In summer 1953, he contracted polio, but fully recovered and married Agatha that fall. They moved to Winnipeg in 1957, where he worked in several schools. While teaching in the Fort Garry School Division, George completed his BA and BEd degrees. He was active at Elmwood MB Church, Winnipeg,