Wiens, Louise Van Bergen (1910-2003)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2003 May 2 p. 29

Birth date: 1910 Mar 18

text of obituary:

LOUISE WIENS

Louise Wiens died Feb. 13 in Abbotsford, B.C. She was born Mar. 18, 1910 in Alexandertal, Alt Samara, Russia to Henry and Minna Van Bergen. At age 14 she immigrated to Canada with her family. She worked as a housemaid for wealthy families. She accepted Christ at a young age and this sustained her to the end. She married Peter A. Wiens Jan. 31, 1932 in Gem, Alta. They lived in Gem, Yarrow, B.C., Black Creek, B.C. and Sea Island, B.C. before settling in Arnold, B.C. Peter died Sept. 10, 1981. Louise moved to Evergreen Village, Clearbrook in 1985 and then to Sherwood Crescent Guest Home in August 1999. She was creative and industrious. Her flower beds were a joy to behold. She volunteered at the MCC store, the Community Centre kitchen, the Golden Age Society and the ceramics shop. She produced many lovely ceramic products and large needlepoint pictures. She and Peter spent several winters in Mexico, travelled to Europe, eastern Canada and the US. She enjoyed hunting and fishing trips in fall. She suffered several major strokes in July 1968 but recovered. She lost sight in one eye in 1995 and suffered from arthritis but she not complain. Predeceased by Peter, son Henry in infancy and 2 infant grandchildren, she is mourned by children Ruth Cahais, Esther Fadeeff, George, Minna Malmstrom, Mary Dyck and Bernie; 18 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren. The funeral was Feb. 19 in Clearbrook MB Church with Heinz Ratzlaff and Jacob J. Neufeld ministering.