Duester, Anna Reimer (1907-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 May 31 p. 24

Birth date: 1907 Dec 25

text of obituary:

ANNE DUESTER

Anna Duester of Winnipeg passed away Apr. 12, 2001. She was born Dec. 25, 1907 to Abraham and Anna Reimer in Otartschik, Crimea, Russia. She accepted Christ in her early youth, was baptized and joined the Allianz church in October 1928. She was active in youth work, was in the choir and played various musical instruments. When she was 21, her father died; she took care of her mother and 3 younger siblings. She married Jakob Duester Jan. 20, 1931; 2 children were born. In February 1938 Jakob was imprisoned. She never saw him again. In 1944 she, her mother and her children came to Germany, moving from refugee camp to refugee camp, finally arriving at Lichtefelde, West Berlin. She was involved in choir and Sunday school. They immigrated to the Chaco, Paraguay, joining Gnadenthal MB Church. She served as choir director for many years. She loved singing and memorized many songs. In May 1957 she and her son immigrated to Winnipeg. She bought a house, living in it until 1984. She enjoyed cross-stitching large murals, completing 185 which she gave to her children, grandchildren, relatives and friends. She moved to Donwood Manor, adjusting quickly by making friends . In November 1998 she fell and broke a leg. She spent a year in Riverview Health Centre, yet remained faithful in attending church every Sunday. She returned to her apartment in January 1999, then moved to Donwood Personal Care Facility. She was a loving, caring mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Through Christ, she found peace for the everyday and hope for the future. She read the entire Bible every year for the last 30 years. She remained alert and articuate until the end. Predeceased by Jakob in 1941, 2 sisters and 5 brothers, she is mourned by daughter Anna Friesen; son Erwin; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 1 sister and 1 brother.