Unger, Maria Penner (1906-2000)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 2000 Jun 9 p 28

Birth date: 1906 Dec 8

Text of obituary:

MARIA UNGER

Maria (Penner) Unger of Winnipeg passed away Nov. 15. She was born Dec. 8, 1906 in Gruenfeld, Ukraine. In 1914 the family bought a farm in Kitschkas, Orenburg. She was raised in a Christian home, where singing and music were practised often; music became a vital part of her life. During Advent music, she felt the Lord telling her to make peace with God. In her third year of school, she asked for her parents' forgiveness and said she wanted to follow Jesus. In 1931 she married Albert Unger. In 1934 they were forced to move to Ukraine. During World War II, Albert was drafted into the German army. She fled with their 3 children to East Germany, then escaped to West Germany and to Friesland, Paraguay, where they homesteaded, She had moved God to the backseat, but, during her escape to the West, in the back of a truck, she called on God to help her, promising to serve Him all her life. In 1957 she and 2 daughters immigrated to Winnipeg. The first years were difficult, but her trust in God never failed. "As the Lord wills," she often said. In 1966 she and Albert were reunited. Her faith in God's love and mercy guided her to the end, During her last week in hospital, she and Albert talked about the consolation they found in the Bible and Matt. 6:33; included in their discussion was a mutual forgiveness, She desired to go home, She is mourned by Albert; children Hugo,Herta Oss and Una Woelke; 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Nov. 20 in Elmwood MB Church, Winnipeg, with Jacob Pauls and Gerhard Friesen ministering.