Hajer, Mathilde Kliewer (1918-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2001 Nov 23 p. 24

Birth date: 1918 Mar 21

text of obituary:

MATHILDE HAJER

Mathilde Hajer passed away in fall 2001. She was born Mar, 21, 1918 to Franz and Wilhelmine Kliewer in Sitzk, Poland. The family attended the MB church in Wymyschle, She married Willi Hajer Mar. 12, 1941, Two children were born to them. He was drafted into the German army, but was captured and placed on a farm. He died July 30, 1945 in a hospital near Prague, Czechoslovakia, after being struck by a horse, Mathilde did not learn of his death for several years. In 1944 she and her children tried to flee Poland, but were stopped by Russian troops. They fled a second time, on Jan. 18, 1945, arriving in a refugee camp in Gettinger, East Germany Mar, 23, 1945, The family was eventually relocated to Esbeck, West Germany. With the assistance of Uncle Henry Kliewer of Oklahoma, she immigrated to Canada in 1948, staying with the Riesen family in Mission, B,C. Two years later, they bought a farm in Arnold, B.C. In 1949 her parents immigrated and joined her on the farm, She worked on the farm and was a housemaid in Vancouver while her parents looked after the children. In 1963 she moved to Clearbrook, B,C. She later started working in the dorms at the University of British Columbia. She moved to Vancouver in 1968 and continued working at UBC until retirement in 1983, She enjoyed working in the dorms and related well to young people. She kept cards and notes of appreciation. In retirement, she spent many happy years volunteering at the MCC thrift store. She made trips to Europe, Hawaii, Florida and Wymyschle reunions. She loved Canada, was grateful for her blessings and took a keen interest in provincial and national events. She loved the church and her God. She was a hard worker, was generous and enjoyed social gatherings. She was determined to provide a better life for her children, including a good education. Humour and hospitality were evident in her life. In 1996 she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, She moved in with her sister Martha for a-year-and-a-half, then moved to Pinegrove care home. Predeceased by Willi, 2 brothers and 1 sister, she is mourned by son Frank; daughter Heidi Funk; 4 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister.