Fast, Anna Becker (1897-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2003 Mar 21 p. 29

Birth date: 1897 Aug 3

text of obituary:

ANNA FAST

Anna Fast passed away

Nov. 27. She was born to Peter and Katharina Becker in Franztal, Ukraine Aug. 3, 1897. She accepted Christ at age 18. At age 20 she fled to Crimea and lived in a sod hut on her brother's yard until 1922 when she and brother Jake began their trip to the US . Be- cause of illness, they were detained and had to take a Greek freighter, the only human passengers amidst many sheep. They settled in Mountain Lake, Minn. She worked to pay her travel debts. She married John Neufeld Mar. 13, 1924. They pioneered in a forest in Newport, Wash. A son was born but died 3 days later. They moved to Chicago, III. In 1930 t hey moved to Sas katchewan to be nea r John's mother and siblings, settling in Lair d, Sas k. After 9 hard year s they moved to Ya r ro w, B. C. , farmin g in Sum as Pr airie for 13 yea rs, then on a small er fa rm before retiring in Yar ro w. Th ey moved to Cl earbrook, B.C. in 1971. Jo hn died in 19 76. She marr ie d Abram Fas t Oct. 15, 19 78 . They moved to Sher- wood Manor in 198 5, th en to Menno Home 8 ye ar s later. Abram died a year later. Anna move d to Me nn o Hospital for her last 3 y ea rs. Sh e was tot all y blind and completely bedridden but her mind wa s still al ert. When as ked on her 101 birthday for the secret of h er long life, she replied " My faith in God and Hi s continuing str ength." Her favourite Scriptur es were Ps. 121 and 119:105. Anna is remembered for her tirel ess work, love for music, prayers fo r her children and her en- during faith. Sh e is mourned by son AI; daughters Kati e Dyck and Ann e; 7 grandchil- dr en; 10 great-grandchildren. Th e funeral was Nov. 30 in Menno Hospital Chapel, with Doris Remp el and H. Cl aasse n ministering.