Life Story of Mary Barkowsky

The following was submitted, in loving memory of her mother, by Veronica Thiessen (Barkowsky),
former BC Women in Mission President.

Mary Barkowsky nee Goerzen

February 17, 1907
January 8, 2005

Our loving Mother, grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and Great-great Grandmother passed into the presence of her Lord and Saviour on January 8th, 2005 in Abbotsford, BC. Mom was born on February 17th, 1907 in Klippenfeld, Ukraine, the 5th of 7 children to Heinrich and Anna Goerzen (nee Dueck). Mom was raised in a Christian home with strong faith and work ethic which were attributes she would later pass down to several generations. As a statement of her faith Mom was baptized on June 15th, 1925 in Klippenfeld by Elder G. Plett. She married Johann Barkowsky on November 15th, 1931 and together they were blessed with four healthy children. Dad only head the chance to see three of his children as he was taken by Russian soldiers on September 6th, 1941 and was never see again by his family, the fourth child being born 3 weeks after Dad was taken. He passed away in a Russian prison camp in October 1943, but the family would not be notified of his death until 1956.

With the war raging, Mom, with her four small children, fled the Ukraine to Germany, and from there immigrated to Canada. The family landed in Quebec on November 14th, 1948 and were sponsored by Mom's cousin Daniel Goertzen in Yarrow, BC where they arrived on November 19th, 1948. On November 13th, 1950 mom purchased a home and acreage on Martin-Simmons Road in Yarrow, where they lived for three years. Mom then purchased 2 acres on First (now Community) Street in Yarrow, and moved the house onto this property - which would be her home until June 1997. After being hospitalized for one month, returning home was no longer an option, and she moved into the Bevan Lodge in Abbotsford for 6 months. She then moved to the Tabor Home where she resided until her death.

Mom was a member of the Yarrow United Mennonite Church for over 56 years; and had been active in the Ladies' Aid, music groups and choir. Mom had a love for music and enjoyed playing her guitar and singing with her children and grandchildren. She had a passion for gardening, and took great pride in her roses. Mom had a generous spirit, giving freely of her time and what money she had - she supported MCC and missions.

Mom cherished times with her family - celebrations that brought her children and grandchildren together. She lovingly nurtured and tended to the needs of her family - faithfully praying for each of them. Even when physical limitations slowed her down - she felt that her work was to continue to pray for her children and their families.

She was predeceased by her parents, six siblings, her husband, Johann; her daughter Irmgard; and son-in-law, Henry Fleming. She is survived by 3 children, 18 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. Although Mom is in a better place, she will be deeply missed by her children and their families. A special thanks goes to all the nurses and aides from Unit #2 at the Tabor Home. Their tender and loving care of Mom will forever be appreciated.

Mary's Funeral Service took place on Friday, January 14, 2005
Yarrow United Mennonite Church, Yarrow, BC
Officiating Pastor: Ron Braun

"Because Christ lives, death is not tragedy but TRIUMPH."

Life Story of Anna Martens

Anna Martens nee Harder

The following is found in her Funeral Leaflet.

Anna Martens, nee Harder, was born on January 22, 1928 in Chortitza, Ukraine. She moved to Germany with her family in 1943 and then moved to Paraguay in 1947.

In Paraguay, Anna met Cornelius and he became her life partner in 1953. While in Paraguay they had 3 children, Henry, Cornelius and Anna. In 1957 they immigrated to Canada and settled in Vancouver, BC. There they completed their family with 2 more children, Victor and Rita. In addition to caring for her own children, Anna also cared for her mother who lived with them for many years.

In 1968 Anna and Cornelius became members of the Sherbrooke Mennonite Church. From the beginning Anna was a committed member, giving of her time in many different areas over the years. For several years she and Mrs. Hanna Schowalter led the ladies Lydia Circle. Anna faithfully sewed blankets for the MCC, which she very much enjoyed. She had a strong commitment to the Lord and this was evident in the way she lived her life.

Anna will be greatly missed and is lovingly remembered by her husband of 55 years, Cornelius, as well as, her children and grandchildren.

Anna will always be remembered for her ever present smile, her sense of humour and her love and devotion to her family and friends. We will miss you, Anni, Mom and Oma.

Anna's Funeral Service took place on Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Sherbrooke Mennonite Church, Vancouver, BC
Officiating Pastors:
German - Heinz Braun
English - Garry Janzen - 2 Timothy 4:7-8

"Because Christ lives, death is not tragedy but TRIUMPH."

Life Story of Hanna Schowalter

Hanna Schowalter nee Cornelsen
February 26, 1925
February 27, 2008

On February 26, 1925, Hanna Schowalter, nee Cornelsen, was born along with her twin sister Ruth, in Marienwerder, West Prussia, now modern day Poland. Their parents, Franz Benno Cornelsen and Marie nee Wiehler had a Bauernhof where Hanna and her eight siblings enjoyed a relatively carefree upbringing.
Upon completing primary school, the twins attended a commercial training school in Marienwerder. Their ways parted, as Hanna took a job on a large family estate near Marienburg, and Ruth found work as a secretary in an office in Danzig.
On January 21, 1945, near the end of the second world war, as the enemy drew nearer, the family evacuated their entire estate, making their escape in minus twenty-five degree weather. Upon arriving in the Soviet occupied zone, the group disbanded leaving everyone to look after themselves. Though there were job opportunities for Hanna there, her desire to reach the West kept her moving. After a few attempts she was able to get to the West. Her goal was Elmshorn in northern Germany, where her brother Erwin and his family were staying. On a farm not too far from Elmshorn, a young mother was looking for help with her six children. As Hanna had previous experience taking care of
babies, she was well suited for this job. She enjoyed taking care of the six-month-old twins, a daughter and a son of the family. In the meantime, through God’s gracious guidance, Hanna’s entire family had made it to the West awakening the desire to become reunited. By the time her parents had established themselves in Karlsruhe in southern Germany, the twins in Hanna’s care were two years old. As her help was no longer as crucial, Hanna moved to Karlsruhe. She found a job working for a doctor, that also provided live-in accommodations. Karlsruhe gave Hanna the first opportunity, since leaving home, to attend a Mennonite Church at the Thomashof. Her involvement in the active youth group there helped deepen her faith.
Here is also where she met her dear Hans, who was studying in Karlsruhe. Hanna and Hans were married on August 21, 1951. Micah 6:8 was their wedding text. These words became a guiding light for the pair and remained so.
Hans finished his studies in survey engineering, but Germany lay in ruins, with few prospects for employment. Through MCC, an opportunity to immigrate to Canada presented itself to Hans and Hanna and two of her siblings. They landed in Canada on December 23, 1951, and traveled by train to BC arriving five days later. Hans found work at a camp in northern BC, but there were no accommodations for wives. Hanna stayed in Vancouver and worked cleaning houses until the camp was developed further to include trailers for families. In March 1953 Hanna and Hans’ first child, Hannelore, was born. Shortly after, the family moved back to Vancouver, and in 1955 Hans Dieter was born. Margret followed in 1959, and Grace in 1967. As the children grew older, started careers and married, Hanna and Hans continued to delight in them. By 2001, their family had grown to include seven grandchildren, each one having found a special place in their Oma and Opa’s heart.
While they came to love Vancouver as their home and community, deep-rooted involvement at both First United Mennonite and Sherbrooke Churches formed the core of their spiritual life. The many kind expressions of love and dedication from family and friends met their needs and nurtured their well-being. Though the separation from family in Germany was at times felt deeply, Hanna and Hans never regretted the decision to settle in Canada.

“On August 30, 2005, following a brief but severe illness, the Lord took my beloved husband, a father and grandfather to his heavenly home above. The pain of grief struck deep, but the hope of a reunion renewed my strength and trust to sojourn on, with the Lord’s help and tender care. I experienced the steadfast presence of the Lord in December 2006 especially, as I, myself, was brought close to the gates of eternity. His grace, the many prayers of the congregation, family and friends, allowed me to regain most of my health. Caring doctors serve as God’s helpers in my care. I also give thanks daily for the help of my children. My innermost wish is that love and peace may continue amongst my children and in the larger family circle. May we all remain in and be true to our pilgrimage with the Lord. Amen.”

Hanna Schowalter

Hanna's Funeral Service took place on Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Sherbrooke Mennonite Church, Vancouver, BC
Officiating Pastors:
German - Henry Kliewer - Psalm 1
English - Ingrid Schultz - Micah 6:8

"Because Christ lives, death is not tragedy but TRIUMPH."

Memorial List for 2007 - 2008

Bethel Mennonite Church
Nettie Braun --- July 23, 2007 --- age 81
Dorothy Wright --- Aug. 19, 2007 --- age 85

Cedar Valley Mennonite Church
Faith McPhail --- Sept. 28, 2007 --- age 77

Clearbrook Mennonite Church
Helen Redekop --- May 14, 2007 --- age 90
Nettie Enns --- May 23, 2007 --- age 95
Neta Wiebe --- July 28, 2007 --- age 87
Agatha Wiebe --- Aug. 13, 2007 --- age 97
Sara Peters --- Nov. 19, 2007 --- age 89

Eben-Ezer Mennonite Church
Tanisha Toews --- Aug. 29, 2007 - Stillborn
Katharina Teichroeb --- Oct. 19, 2007 --- age 96
Mica Bergen --- Nov. 21, 2007 --- age 85
Anny Dyck --- Nov. 30, 2007 --- age 87
Selma Peters --- Feb. 6 2008 --- age 97
Maria Bergen --- March 26, 2008 --- age 82

Eden Mennonite Church
Mary Jones --- Dec. 13, 2007 --- age 77
Heather Ellen Rempel --- Feb. 3, 2008 --- age 49

Emmanuel Mennonite Church
Autumn Joy Jenkinson --- May 13, 2007 --- age 30
Annalee Guenther --- March 26, 2008 --- age 69

First Mennonite Church, Kelowna
Elizabeth Wiebe --- Jan. 10, 2008 --- age 84
Aganetha Neufeld --- Jan. 30, 2008 --- age 84

First United Mennonite Church, Vancouver
Olga Koop --- May 14, 2007 --- age 93
Agnes Thiessen --- May 25, 2007 --- age 98
Audrey Solange --- June 1, 2007 --- age 73
Paula Rodriguez --- Sept. 28, 2007 --- age 25
Susanna Gerbrandt --- Dec. 27, 2007 --- age 86
Anita Harder --- Jan. 24, 2007 --- age 84
Katharina Peters --- April 8, 2008 --- age 83
Elisabeth Struve --- April 21, 2008 --- age 95

Sherbrooke Mennonite Church
Hanna Schowalter --- Feb. 27, 2008 --- age 83

West Abbotsford Mennonite Church
Anna Reimer --- Aug. 29, 2007 --- age 95
Irma Friesen --- Dec. 1, 2007 --- age 79
Margaret Froese --- Jan. 9, 2008 --- age 77
Frieda Neufeld --- March 19, 2008 --- age 97

Yarrow United Mennonite Church
Agathe Banman --- Nov. 9, 2007 --- age 86
Ericka Bergen --- Oct. 5, 2007 --- age 75

"Because Christ lives, death is not tragedy but TRIUMPH."

"Because Christ lives, death is not tragedy but TRIUMPH."

Memorial List for 2006 - 2007

To be added!

"Because Christ lives, death is not tragedy but TRIUMPH."

"Because Christ lives, death is not tragedy but TRIUMPH."

Memorial List for 2005-2006

Bethel Mennonite Church
Elizabeth Redekop --- June 25, 2005 --- age 79

Clearbrook Mennonite Church
Tina Hoeppner --- July 31, 2005 --- age 85
Anna Honscharow --- July 10, 2005 --- age 95
Tina Braun --- March 2, 2006 --- age 96

Eben-Ezer Mennonite Church
Agnetha Ens --- May 23, 2005 --- age 93
Margareta Braun --- July 29, 2005 --- age 79
Helen Friesen --- Sept. 26, 2005 --- age 78
Katharina Toews --- Dec. 21, 2005 --- age 84

Eden Mennonite Church
Erna Janzen --- June 20, 2005 --- age 81
Helene Janzen --- April 8, 2005 --- age 103
Elizabeth Reimer --- May 20, 2005 --- age 84

Emmanuel Mennonite Church
Sarah Buhr --- Sept. 28, 2005 --- age 79

First Mennonite Church, Kelowna
Elizabeth (Betty) Dyck --- Sept. 3, 2005 --- age 73
Elvera Neufeld --- March 2, 2005 --- age 85
Katherine (Kay) Thiessen --- Sept. 17, 2005 --- age 87

First United Mennonite Church, Vancouver
Anna Derksen --- June 13, 2005 --- age 78
Agathe Martens --- June 26, 2005 --- age 84
Tina Wiebe --- Aug. 13, 2005 --- age 99
Elsie MacDonald --- Oct. 1, 2005 --- age 44
Regina Fast --- Dec. 20, 2005 --- age 63
Annie Klassen --- March 14, 2006 --- age 89
Olga Huebert --- April 9, 2006 --- age 76

Living Hope Christian Fellowship
Mary Dueckman --- April 21, 2005 --- age 86
Agnes Loewen --- April 6, 2006 --- age 84

Sherbrooke Mennonite Church
Anna Hildebrand --- June 21, 2005 --- age 90

West Abbotsford Mennonite Church
Helen Olfert --- Feb. 2, 2006 --- age 73

"Because Christ lives, death is not tragedy but TRIUMPH."