Lehn, Maria Schellenberg (1883-1966)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1966 Feb 11 p. 23

Birth date: 1883 Mar 05

text of obituary:

MRS. MARIA LEHN

Maria Lehn (nee Schellenberg) was born on March 5, 1883, in Nikopol, South Russia. At the age of 7 her parents, Johann E. and Elizabeth Schellenberg, moved to the new settlement of Ignatewka in the Bachmuter area, where she enjoyed her youth. Under the influence of Christian parents, she was converted at the age of 11 and baptized at 12. She was accepted into the Mennonite Brethren church and remained a member until the time of her passing. She enjoyed the church services and often made notes of the messages.

In 1901 she was married to Kornelius Penner from whom she had two daughters. While teaching at Jasoechowo, Warwarowka, a typhoid epidemic took her husband from her side and left her to care for her daughters. In order to do this she took a nurses' training course.

In 1906 she came to Canada and settled at Herbert, Saskatchewan. Her nurses' training enabled her to give much help to neighboring mothers.

In 1907 she married a widower, Daniel Neufeld of Herbert, who had four children, and in 1910 another daughter, Mary, was born to them. After 21 years of marriage her husband was again taken from her side. In March, 1933, she married Jacob Lehn of Aberdeen, Saskatchewan who had five sons. In 1947 they retired to Clearbrook, British Columbia where they faithfully sought to serve the Lord, the church and the community. In July of 1964 it pleased the Lord to take away her husband at the age of 92 years.

On January 7, 1966, at 6:00 p.m. she quietly passed away with her youngest daughter at her side. She reached the age of 82 years, ten months and two days. She leaves the witness that "blessed are the dead which die in the Lord". She leaves to miss her presence, three daughters, two sons-in-law, seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, one sister of Swift Current, Saskatchewan, many nieces and nephews, as well as many friends and relatives.

Funeral services were held on January 11, in the Clearbrook Mennonite Brethren Church. Rev. H. G. Thielman officiated at the service, assisted by Rudy Janzen and John Unger.