Editing Pankratz, Anna (1896-1977)

''Mennonite Brethren Herald'' obituary: 1977 Sept 02 p. 31

Birth date: 1896 Apr 27

text of obituary:

<center><h3>ANNA PANKRATZ</h3></center>

n Alexandrowka (Kusmitzky), south
Ukraine, the daughter of Abram and Helene
(nee Harder) Pankratz. At the age of nine
months she contracted polio, which left her
handicapped for the rest of her long life. Her
parents predeceased her in her youth. For
two years she lived with her sister Lena, and
for the next 45 years her sister, (Mrs.) Liese
Niessen , faithfully cared for her until she
entered a nursing home.
At an early age she realized her lost
condition. She was saved and baptized,
joining the Mennonite Brethren Church in
Blumenfeld . Because of her handicap she was
never able to attend school, but learned to
read at home. She spent much time reading
God 's Word , in prayer and singing Gospel
songs. She loved her Saviour and the
Church. In 1943 she fled from Russia , spent
six years in Germany, and finally emigrated
to Coaldale, Albert in 1950. The church
deacons provided for her for many years, for
which she was always grateful. Since 1969
she was cared for in invalid homes . In 1975
she suffered a stroke and pneumonia, which
left her paralyzed and unable to talk. Hers
was a long, difficult life, especially in the last
two years. On July 17 the Lord took his
weary child home.
Rudy Heidebrecht, pastor of the Coaldale
Church, led a funeral service on July 27,
assisted by John J . Dueck. She is mourned
by two sisters·in-Iaw in Russia, and many
other friends and relatives in Russia, Germany and Canada.

[[Category:Mennonite Brethren Herald obituaries]]