Mierau, Elizabeth Klassen (1910-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2001 Sep 28 p.28

Birth date: 1910 Mar 10

text of obituary:

ELIZABETH MIERAU

Elizabeth Mierau (nee Klassen) of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away July 6. She was born Mar. 10, 1910 into a family of 8 sisters and 3 brothers in Gnadenheim, Siberia. She accepted Christ and was baptized July 27, 1924. The family immigrated to Canada in 1927. They lived in Winnipeg. She married Peter P. Dyck Aug. 15, 1937. They moved to Ontario; 4 sons were born to them. She supported Peter in various ventures, including onion farming and producing greenhouse crops and field tomatoes. In 1947 they moved to Arnold, B.C. She initiated many gatherings and picnics with extended family. When Peter began working with the CNR, she was left to run the farm and raise her sons for weeks at a time, but was positive and encouraging. She cooked, baked, weeded, chopped wood and milked cows to keep her family fed. She taught her sons the meaning of hard work and encouraged them to trust the Lord for every need. She enjoyed many friendships in the community. She loved singing and encouraged her sons' musical pursuits. She knew many hymns by heart and could recall names, places, dates and numbers. In 1964 they moved to Vancouver. She eagerly anticipated family gatherings, prepared meals and never complained about the effort required. She was hospitable, loving and generous to her growing family. They moved to Clearbrook, B.C. Peter died unexpectedly Sept. 4, 1978. She married Henry Mierau Apr. 12, 1980; her family now included 4 more sons, their wives and children. She and Henry spent many years visiting and enjoying their family in Saskatchewan and B.C. She talked about her 8 sons and their families, praying for each individual with fervour and sensitivity. In March 2000, she suffered a heart attack; her health deteriorated. She was hospitalized July 5, 2001. She was humming a tune shortly before she died. Predeceased by her first husband Peter, she is mourned by her second husband Henry; sons Frank of Abbotsford, Rudy of Mission, B.C., Leonard of Ladner, B.C. and Ed of White Rock, B.C.; stepsons Alvin, Harold, Dan and Elmer; 22 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and 2 sisters. The funeral was July 12 in Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, with Henry Thiessen and Jay Neufeld ministering.