Finish lines

RITA (PETERS) WIENS

Margarita (Rita) lost her mother Dec. 29, 1929. Her father married Rita’s mother’s twin sister, Tina Apr. 6, 1930. The Russians sent Rita’s father to Siberia in September 1941, never to be seen again. As the eldest, Rita helped her mother. From 1942–1943, when the Germans occupied the area, life was relatively peaceful. However, in September 1943, the family was forced to flee in the Great Trek, arriving in Poland in January 1944. The Polish officials loaded German Mennonites onto a flatbed rail car to eastern Germany. Learning of an MCC refugee camp in Gronau, armed with cigarettes for bribing, Rita crossed to West Germany at night; her family followed a week later. In Gronau, Rita worked in the kitchen, made many lifelong friends, and enjoyed evenings socializing. September 1948, the family sailed for Canada, arriving in Halifax, then boarding a train to Winnipeg, their final destination. There Rita worked 3 years for the wealthy Kennedy family. She was baptized, having previously accepted Christ as Saviour. Rita met Jacob Wiens when he was billeted in her home while attending a church conference. They married the following year, Mar. 21, 1953. Rita’s life consisted of looking after the family, baking, and gardening. During haying season, she fed workers meals and doughnuts for coffee breaks. As the children grew, Rita became more involved in church; ladies’ group became important to her. Rita was known

Hildegard Isaak

Hildegard was a well-loved mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother, known for her tenacity, innovation, and engagement with her family, community, and God. She grew up in the Mennonite community of North Kildonan in Winnipeg, the oldest of 4 children born to Jacob and Liese Peters. Hildegard attended grade school at Lord Kitchener and graduated from Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute in 1951. Completing her training at the St. Boniface school of nursing in 1955, she worked as a nurse for 4½ years. In 1957, Hildegard married Peter Isaak (1933-2019). Their two sons, Jon (1960- ) and Chuck (1961- ), were the delight of her life. She took great pleasure in managing a thriving home for her three men, joining them in engaging the world with compassion, justice, and kindness. For 20+ years, she taught the high-school girls’ Sunday school class, taking much joy in advocating for them, helping them to know for her paska and pastries at bake sales. In 1982, as Rita and Jacob were building their retirement home, Jacob died suddenly in a farming accident. Rita moved in alone and turned her focus to her 6 grandchildren living nearby. In 1993, she moved to Abbotsford, B.C. There Rita volunteered 2 days a week at MCC Quilters and 3 days in the Garden Park kitchen. This continued until a major stroke in 2005. Although she could no longer cook or quilt, she recovered. She took the opportunity to travel, visiting Canada’s east coast, Russia, Hawaii, Alaska, Florida, and California. Rita was devastated when her son John died at 38. She carried him in her heart as long as she lived. Rita loved tending roses, wearing beautiful clothing and shoes, and having her hair done. She prayed for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren by name. She often sang, “So Nimm Denn Meine Hände” (Take Thou My Hand, O Father). In 2016, Rita moved into Tabor Court, and later to Tabor Home. She never complained even during months of pandemic isolation. God granted Rita her wish to die peacefully in her sleep.

Birth: April 6, 1928

Birthplace: Manitoba

Death: January 4, 2023

Parents: Gerhard & Elizebeth Peters

Family: children John [d. 1996], Harry, Marlene (Edward) Becker, Edward (Lee Ann); 12 grandchildren; 13 greatgrandchildren; siblings Kaethe Peters, Dan Peters, Elisabeth Klassen that they were every bit as competent as the boys in the other class! A whole generation of women count her as a mentor at North Kildonan MB Church and McIvor Avenue MB Church. She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Peter Isaak, and her great-grandson, Alex Toews, and remembered with love by her sons and their families.

Church: Clearbrook, Abbotsford, B.C.

Birth: February 25, 1933

Birthplace: Winnipeg, Man.

Death: March 16, 2023

Parents: Jacob Peters (1907-1990) & Liese Neufeld Peters (1905-1984)

Married: Peter Isaak, May 15, 1957 [d. 2019]

Family: Jon (Mary Anne Willems), Chuck (Corinne Tiessen), grandchildren Peter (Michaela Poll), Aleah (Devyn Toews), Rianna (Benni Krauss), Haley (Eusebio Raposo), Kristofer; great-granddaughter Jubilee Isaak-Krauss; great-grandson Alex Toews [d. 2023]

Church: McIvor Avenue MB, Winnipeg, Man.

Baptism: North Kildonan MB, Winnipeg, July 10, 1949

Henry Albert Fast

Henry moved with his family from Coaldale, Alta., to Chilliwack, B.C. As a young adult, he moved to Vancouver. Henry worked in a logging camp and several sawmills before becoming a city bus driver. He was a faithful, active member of his church, serving in many areas such as helping to maintain the building and as an usher for many years. Henry loved his family and enjoyed camping and fishing trips as well as trips to California with them. He enjoyed gardening. Upon retirement, he spent much time growing vegetables and beautiful flowers. Henry faithfully volunteered at Fraser Valley Gleaners for many years. He loved people and made friends wherever he went. He loved sharing a good laugh with his friends.

Birth: October 9, 1930

Birthplace: Coaldale Alta.

Death: March 8, 2023

Parents: Jacob & Tina Fast

Married: Linda Koehn, Jan. 23, 1959

Family: Linda; children Gary (Nancy), Brenda (Erv) Wiebe; 2 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings Church: Kilarney Park MB, Vancouver, B.C.

Helen Ratzlaff

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Helen was the youngest of 7 children born to Peter and Marie Heide. The family moved from Manitoba to B.C.’s Mt. Lehman area shortly afterward. Helen married John Ratzlaff Aug. 9, 1950. After John spent one year teaching in a one-room school in Northern B.C., they returned to Vancouver and started their family. In the late 1960s, Helen, Walter Paetkau, and other local residents helped set up what is now Archway Community Services. In addition, Helen and John set up a crisis line in the community. Helen believed that one’s faith must be lived, a tenet she followed throughout her life. Their home was always open to students and friends of their 4 children, especially when they moved to Sumas Mountain in the 1970s. When John retired from teaching, they spent a year in China under Mennonite Central Committee, teaching English as an additional language, until their evacuation during the Tiananmen Square uprising in 1989. Helen was an avid, dedicated, and skilled gardener, as evidenced by the beautiful two-acre garden surrounding their home on Sumas Mountain. They lived up on the mountain until their late 80s when they reluctantly moved into Abbotsford, B.C. Helen continued to garden at her apartment complex in town to the delight of her wonderful neighbours. Here are some of her own memories: “We have lived almost two thirds of our life on Sumas Mountain. Just 20 minutes from the busy streets of Abbotsford, we pioneered without hydro or telephone, dependent on ourselves. We lived with spectacular views of the Fraser River, Hatzic Lake and Prairie, and the North Shore Mountains. We watched the seasons change, the resident eagles soar outside our living room windows, and the deer wander across our driveway. We never tired of the view and we loved all the hard work. We learned to be self-reliant for our water, heating, and electrical needs. Our children brought home many friends, for free bed and breakfast services. This is where gardening became a passion, and we planted every tree and shrub and flower that was not part of the forest around the property. We were happy to share our garden for wedding parties and anniversaries and birthdays and other celebrations.” Helen had a very full and joyful life, and many happy and adventurous years with John. Her final message to her family: “Our love will be with you always. Our prayers for you will never stop.”

Birth: June 17, 1928

Birthplace: Manitoba

Death: January 10, 2023

Parents: Peter & Marie Heide

Family: children Jonathan (Lorraine), David (Ruth), Mitzi Payie, Carol (Terry) Sawatsky; many grandchildren & greatgrandchildren Church: Highland, Abbotsford, B.C.

Helen Wall

Helen Wall was the third of 9 children born to George and Maria Konrad, in Gnadenthal, Man. Her first 12 years were spent there, attending school, taking care of her brothers, and being part of a busy, hardworking family. Helen finished high school, boarding at Mennonite Collegiate Institute. In 1946, her family moved to a dairy farm in Matsqui, B.C. Helen set out for a new adventure by attending normal school in Vancouver to earn her teaching certificate. She taught for one year in a one room school with Grades 1 to 6. Helen met Jake Wall at Matsqui MB Church. Their first date was to Peace Arch Park. They married in 1948, after the flood waters had receded, and settled on a dairy farm. This is where the 4 children were born; it holds many memories for them. Helen and Jake looked around for more land or a change of occupation. The opportunity came, in 1964, to purchase Grace Book Shop in Chilliwack, B.C. Jake and Helen embraced the new challenge. Helen and Jake sold the store in June 1988 with the intention of enjoying their retirement together. Life came to a sudden halt when Jake had a heart attack and died on the golf course in fall of the same year. Helen’s determination to move forward was enabled by her faith in God and the support of family and friends. Helen moved to Abbotsford to be closer to Maryanne and Roland. Her family enjoyed many Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving dinners in her apartment common room. The family also loved playing games, especially Rook. Helen lived more than 30 years without Jake. She continued their pattern of travel, took up quilting, and embraced hospitality. Her family walked through the last years together, literally and figuratively, honoured to share the journey. Her legacy is one of love and strength.

Birth: June 21, 1927

Birthplace: Gnadenthal, Man.

Death: January 30, 2023

Parents: George & Maria Konrad

Married: Jake Wall, 1948 [d. 1988]

Family: children Bob (Hilda), Maryanne (Roland) Balzer, Pat (Reg) Esau, Charlotte (Shane) Culver; 10 grandchildren including Eric Balzer [d.]; 15 great-grandchildren; 3 sibling Church: Highland, Abbotsford, B.C.

Baptism: 1939