Neufeld, Mary Repphun (1905-2003)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2003 Aug 1 p. 25

Birth date: 1905 Feb 20

text of obituary:

MARY NEUFELD

Mary Neufeld died May 18. She was born to Peter and Regina Repphun Feb. 20, 1905 in Schoensee, Molotschna. To ease the economic hardship Mary was sent to live with Wilhelm and Maria Neufeld, wealthy landowners in Fuerstenau. The Repphun family emigrated to the US in 1912, leaving Mary and sister Emily in Russia. Because of the Revolution, the Neufeld family was forced to flee. Mary never saw them again. The Abram Wieler family took her in. These were happy years for her. In 1922 she moved to Alexanderkrone in preparation for leaving Russia. Her parents paid for Mary's and Emily's fare to the US but immigration quotas were filled, so attempts were made to come to Canada. They came to Rosthern, Sask. in Feb. 1924, then moved to Rosenort, Man. On Dec. 20, 1924 they were reunited with their family. Mary married John Herman Neufeld July 18, 1926 in Winkler, Man. They moved to Winnipeg, joining North End MB Church, and later South End MB Church. They moved to Regina, Sask. in 1935 and to Geraldton, Ont. in 1939. In 1944 they moved back to Winnipeg. Mary worked in a coat factory to augment family income. Mary accepted Christ as her Saviour at age 10; at age 17 she rededicated her life to Christ and was baptized by Abram Nachtigal. God's Word was important to her and she read through the Bible many times. She is remembered as a devout person with a strong faith. She was quiet, beautiful, shy and always working. Friends were welcome, as were animals. She doted on her grandchildren. She was a great cook. John died in 1983 and daughter Eleanor in 1999. She is mourned by sons John, Walter, Herman and Wally; daughter Ruth; 15 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; 1 sister. The funeral was May 23 at Portage Ave. MB Church, Winnipeg, with Abe Neufeld ministering.