Toews, Agnes Harms (1886-1978)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1978 Mar 31 p. 31

Birth date: 1886 Dec 25

text of obituary:

MRS. AGNES TOEWS

Agnes Toews was born on Christmas Day, 1886 in Friedensruh, Molotschna colony, south Russia, to Johann B. and Aganetha (Wiebe) Harms, the second oldest in a family of eight. The family enjoyed peace and prosperity in those years, yet they believed that man does not live by bread alone and earnestly endeavoured to bring up their children in the fear and nurture of the Lord. At 16, she had a deep religious experience and committed her life to Christ as Saviour and Lord. The following year she was baptized by Elder David Schellenberg and received into the Mennonite Brethren Church at Rueckenau.

She learned to know a young teacher from Alexanderkrone and on August 9, 1908, she was married to Aron A. Toews by Rev. Jacob W. Reimer. After their marriage they moved to Rueckenau where her husband was the leading teacher from 1908 to 1918 and where the Lord blessed them with four children, two daughters and two sons. The happy years ended under the gathering storm of the Revolution. In 1918 they moved back to Friedensruh where her husband taught another four years and she assisted him in his additional responsibilities as a minister.

In 1926 they left. Russia for Canada and pioneer life on a farm at Namaka, Alberta. They lived there from 1927 to 1947. Their home was known in the community for its "open house" policy and Mrs. Toews' hospitality was deeply appreciated by both friends and strangers. In 1947 they moved to the Abbotsford area of B.C. where she continued to live until her passing. For almost seven years her husband served the Clearbrook MB Church as minister and leader and she provided much help to him. When he partially and eventually totally lost his eyesight, she assumed additional responsibilities. During these years, she and her husband could celebrate both their golden and then their diamond wedding anniversaries. On November 5, 1969 the moment of separation came when her husband passed into the presence of his Lord.

Despite her age, she maintained a strong interest in the world about her. She read much-during a two year period she read more than a hundred books. In 1973 she moved into the Tabor Home in Clearbrook to be close to many of her friends. She deeply appreciated the fellowship and care the Home provided . On March 15, 1978 she fell asleep in the Lord.

She leaves to mourn two daughters, Agnes and husband George Thielmann of Vancouver, and Mary of Clearbrook; son John A. and Nettie of Winnipeg, and daughter-in-law Mrs. Agatha (Nick) Toews of Clearbrook; also Mrs. Tina (Goossen) Martens, who joined the family at the time of the emigration in 1926, of Clearbrook; one brother, Henry, of Frunze, U.S.S.R.; 18 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband and one son, Nicholas, who passed away in April, 1977.