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."