Janzen, Alvina Tina Lepp (1907-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Jun 21 p. 25

Birth date: 1907 Apr 4

text of obituary:

ALVINA TINA JANZEN

Alvina Tina Janzen of Kelowna, B,C, passed away Mar. 30, She was born Apr. 4, 1907 to Henry and Tina Lepp in Dalmeny, Sask. She accepted Christ at 10 and was baptized and joined Dalmeny MB Church in her teens. She attended Lutheran College in Saskatoon and Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan. She married Abraham Janzen March 8, 1928. In 1929 they moved to Dalhart, Tex. to farm 2100 acres with her parents and brother. Drought forced them to return to Dalmeny after 3 years. In 1935 they moved to Saskatoon, where the ran a small cafe called the Blue Goose; she was known for her delicious pies . They owned and operated Hi-Grade Furniture Co. 1946-57, then moved to Kelowna, where she became enthusiastically involved in direct sales for 15 years. Retiring in 1976, they enjoyed travelling and wintering in Mesa, Ariz. In 1993 Abraham became confined to a wheelchair and moved to an extended care facility. She visited him daily, bringing coffee and baked goods. She was an excellent pianist and accompanied her husband's choirs in Saskatoon and Kelowna. They were involved with the Gideons for 25 years. After Abraham died Nov. 12, 1997, she continued to be active, She visited her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, joining them on toboggans and snowmobiles. She was a devoted letter writer and never missed sending cards for special occasions. She loved to socialize, played games and kept up with family news and world events. She was determined to make the best of every situation, knowing that God would never leave her. She remained independent and lived alone at Willow Park Terrace. Predeceased by Abraham, 3 brothers, 1 sister and 1 great-grandchild, she is mourned by her children Carol Jantzen of Kelowna, Henry of North Vancouver, B.C. and Doug of Kelowna; 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Apr. 5 in Willow Park Church, Kelowna, with Arnold Peters ministering.