Janzen, Lena F. Friesen (1904-2000)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 2000 May 26 p. 29

Birth date: 1904 Sep 24

Text of obituary:

LENA F. JANZEN

Lena F. Janzen of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Apr. 1 of cancer and a broken hip. She was born Sept. 24, 1904 to David B. and Helena Friesen in Tiege #8, Sagradowka, Russia. She grew up in Altonau, where she sang in the choir. As the oldest of 7 children, she set a good example. In Altonau she accepted Christ. In 1920 she was baptized in the Inguletz River. In 1926 she married Jacob Franz Janzen. She had prayed for her future husband before she met him; he had survived narrow escapes from danger during 7 years as a soldier before becoming a Christian. They immigrated to Saskatchewan in 1926 and opened a grocery store. In 1932 they moved to Yarrow, B.C. They started a grocery store in Greendale, B.C. She helped in the store as well as raising 5 children and being active in Greendale MB Church, MCC and the Red Cross. She loved sewing dresses for the Red Cross. Her hands were never idle. Hospitality was a way of life. They hosted visiting preachers and quartets and boarded Bible school teachers. Their home was open to many friends. She was a born storyteller, telling stories, singing songs and playing games with her children. Their hardware store (Greendale Electric) was damaged in the 1948 flood, and recovery was difficult. When Jacob retired, they baked and cooked together. In 1976 they moved to Abbotsford. She sorted yarn at the MCC store and crocheted over 600 afghans for MCC and some for her family. She taught herself to type. Her story Journey of Courage was published in 1995. She made her last 2 afghans and continued typing after moving to Menno Home in March 1999. The move was difficult, but she made new friends. Predeceased by Jacob in 1978, son Johnnie, a great-granddaughter, 1 sister and 3 brothers, she is mourned by children Lena Harder, Nettie Anne Yeske, Rosella Wiebe and Fred; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; 1 brother and 1 sister. The funeral was Apr. 8 in Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, with Ross Johnston and Don Enns ministering.