Klassen, Maria Bargen (1900-2003)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2003 May 2 p. 27

Birth date: 1900 Dec 27

text of obituary:

MARIA KLASSEN

Maria Klaassen died Jan. 27 in Abbotsford, B.C She was born Dec. 27 to Jakob and Helena Bargen in Schoenau, Sagradowka, Ukraine. At age 12, she accepted Christ, was baptized and joined the MB church. She married widower Jakob Klassen Oct. 14, 1921; 3 sons were born. They wanted to immigrate to Canada in 1929, following the rest of her family but were unable to because of Jakob's trachoma. Their possessions were confiscated and Jakob was forced to do hard labour, then jailed as punishment for trying to emigrate without government authorization. He died May 8, 1933. In 1943 the family fled to Germany. The oldest sons were drafted into the German army. Son Jakob was lost in the war. In 1948 Maria and son Hans emigrated to Canada. Maria married widower Klaassen of Swift Current, Sask. He died in 1960. Son Peter came to Canada in 1951. She regularly attended Clearbrook (B.C.) MB Church and participated in ladies' aid. In 1988 she moved to Tabor Home, Abbotsford. She is remembered for her gentle spirit, strength of faith, kind words and caring . Predeceased by son Hans in 1991, she is mourned by son Peter; 4 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 3 great- great-grandchildren; 2 brothers; 1 stepson; 1 stepdaughter. The funeral was Jan. 31 in Clearbrook MB Church with Heinz Ratzlaff and Walter Wiens ministering.