Klassen, Susanna Suderman (1883-1970)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1970 July 24 p. 47

Birth date: 1883 Jun 08

text of obituary:

MRS. SUANNA KLASSEN

Susanna Klassen passed away on May 12, at the age of 86. She was born June 8, 1883 to John and Aganeta, Suderman (nee Riediger)in Alexandertal, southern Russia. Here she was privileged to spend her childhood and youth in her Christian home with five brothers and four sisters, all of whom have predeceased her. When she was 13 she accepted Christ as her personal Saviour and was baptized upon her confession of faith and joined the Mennonite Brethren Church.

On November 22, 1902 she was united in matrimony to Jacob David Klassen. For eight years they lived with their parents in Alexanderwohl and the next eight years in the settlement of Sagradowka, after which they returned to Alexanderwohl.

In 1926 they emigrated to Canada, settling first in Ste. Elizabeth, Manitoba, then in Kenton, Alexander and Beresford. In 1946 they moved to Clearbrook, B.C., and in 1955 to Chilliwack. It was here that her husband passed away in October of 1959. Mrs. Klassen remained courageous and kept up her home with her daughter Helen until 1967 when they took up residence in the Tabor Home. Her strength waned, and on March 5, 1970 she entered the hospital spending eight weeks there. She was able to return home once more. On May 12 at 6:45 a.m. she went to her heavenly home. She now sees him who said, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die."

She leaves to mourn her children: Jacob and his family in Greendale, David and family in Beresford, Manitoba, Henry and family in Kamloops, B.C., Mrs. Gerhard (Susanna) Dirks, Chilliwack, B.C., Mrs. Andrew (Neta) Toews, Terrace, B.C., Helen in the Tabor Home, Mrs. Jake (Tina) Dirks, Yarrow. B.C., Anne of Vancouver and Mrs. Norman (Elizabeth) Robinson, Vancouver; 25 grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.

The family expresses their thanks to all their friends for their expressions of sympathy and love during this time of bereavement, and for their prayers which have strengthened them.