Warkentin, Elizabeth Siemens (1903-2005)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2006 Feb 24 p. 28

Birth date: 1903 Jul 23

text of obituary:

ELIZABETH WARKENTIN

Elizabeth Warkentin died Dec. 23. She was born July 23, 1903 in Herzenberg, Russia to Henry and Katherine Siemens. Elizabeth grew up near the Ural mountains of northern Russia. Hers was a devoutly Christian home; her father was a leading minister in the local church, and Elizabeth's life was impacted by the love and spiritual input of her parents. During her last year of school, Elizabeth's teacher helped her seek the Lord. After some struggles, she rested her faith in Jesus. Two years later, she was baptized and joined the MB Church. In 1925, her family immigrated to Mexico because of political unrest in Russia. Elizabeth's sister Tina died of typhoid en route to Mexico, so Elizabeth became the caregiver for her sister's two children, She then married her sister's widower, Peter Warkentin. Due to political unrest, the family left Mexico and immigrated to Canada, settling in Abbotsford, B.C. in 1934. Elizabeth was involved in the fellowship and ministry of the church in her quiet way. She lived at Tabor Home for 31 years and was active there by distributing church bulletins. Predeceased by Peter in 1975, she is mourned by son Henry (Nettie); 5 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Dec. 29 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford.