Esau, Sadie M. Reimer (1929-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2003 Feb 7 p. 19

Birth date: 1929 Jul 27

text of obituary:

SADIE M. ESAU

Sadie M. Esau of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Nov. 13. She was born July 27, 1929 to Sara and Jacob Reimer in Rosenort, Ukraine. At a young age, she cared for her younger siblings; by her preteens she was working in the fields. In 1943, the family fled to Germany, where they found work on a farm. In 1948, they came to Winnipeg. She worked as a mother's helper and in the kitchen at the veteran's hospital to help pay the travel debt. In December 1951, she married Martin Esau, a bachelor 18 years older. They worked hard running a small mixed farm in Headingly, Man. Martin accepted Christ, they were baptized in 1963, and church became a regular part of their life. Relationships grew in the context of work. In 1975 they sold the farm and retired to B.C. She worked in the church and filled her life with volunteering. After Martin died in 1986, she learned to read and was thrilled to read the stories of her heritage. At 69, she had surgery for cancer, but the cancer returned. She is mourned by daughters Helen Ho and Betty Schroeder; 4 grandchildren; 1 brother and 1 sister. The memorial service was Nov. 18 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Dan Unrau ministering.