Toews, Elizabeth Bargen (1913-2005)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2006 Jan 13 p. 26

Birth date: 1913 Jul 18

text of obituary:

ELIZABETH TOEWS

Elizabeth Toews died Oct. 24. She was born July 18, 1913 in Orloff, Russia to Jacob and Helene Bargen. The family immigrat- ed to Canada in 1926, settling in Gilroy, Sask. Elizabeth made a commitment to Christ L-_____--' early in life, was bap- tized and joined the church. At 18, she moved to Winnipeg to work as a nanny. She married John Jacob Toews in 1937. They farmed in Aldergrove, B.C., lived in Vancou- ver, and owned and operated a store and gas station in the Fraser Valley. South Ab- botsford MB Church was their spiritual home. Elizabeth taught Sunday school and served as church secretary. She enjoyed vis- iting friends and relatives, gardening and travelling. After John's death in 1988, Eliza- beth struggled with health issues, yet she loved life, had a strong faith in God and re- mained positive. She is mourned by chil- dren John (Linda), Hal and Vic (Bev); 2 granddaughters; 5 great-grandchildren; nieces (to whom she was guardian), Johan - na (Doug) Vogel, Linda (Paul) Binding, He- len (Jake) Konrad and Adina (Peter) Poole; 1 nephew; 1 brother; 1 sister. The celebration of life service was Nov. 1 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford.