Sawatsky, Elizabeth Margaret Schmidt (1929-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Jan 25 p. 25

Birth date: 1929 Mar 3

text of obituary:

ELIZABETH MARGARET SAWATZKY

Elizabeth Margaret Sawatzky of Pierceland, Sask. passed away Nov. 30. She was born Mar. 3, 1929 to Henry and Katharina Schmidt of Mennon, Sask. She grew up on a farm. At 11, during evangelistic services at her school, she accepted Christ. At 13, she was baptized and joined Ebenezer MB Church, Dalmeny, Sask. Her desire was to serve the Lord. She attended Dalmeny Bible School and participated in various Christian service assignments. In 1952, while serving in North Battleford, Sask., she met coworker Isaac Sawatzky; they married July 1, 1953. She was an energetic, talented woman whose goal was to serve others. She loved entertaining, hosting guest speakers, Bible school deputation workers, staff banquets and visitors to the church. She enjoyed cooking regularly for church and community functions and various summer Bible camps. She quilted, did gardening and made household goods and crafts. She learned to play piano as a girl, pursued musical training throughout her adult life and taught piano. In church she was involved with children's choirs, Christmas concerts, adult choirs and musical groups. She played piano for church services, weddings, funerals and graduations. She taught Sunday school for years and organized DVBS and day camps, often hosting the workers while planning and coordinating the curriculum and crafts. She was involved with a women's Bible study, Ladies' Aid and Women's World Day of Prayer. In the late 1980s she was diagnosed with Parkinson's. In recent years, she became increasingly less mobile. In fall 2000 she moved to Bonnyville (Alta.) Long-term Care Centre. Predeceased by 3 brothers, 1 sister and infant son Wayne, she is mourned by Isaac; children Les of Pierceland, Kelvin of Fort McMurray, Alta., Brian of Pierceland, Karen of Hafford, Sask. and Lana of Waldheim, Sask.; 10 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and 2 brothers. The funeral was Dec. 4 at Pierceland Community Hall, with Mike Adamczyk ministering.