Androes, Lena (1892-1978)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1978 Jun 22 p. 12

Birth date: 1892 Mar 2

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1978 Aug 24 p. 11

text of obituary:

SISTER LENA ANDROES

Lena Androes was born Mar. 2, 1892 in Friedensfeld, South Russia, to John J. and Helena Loewen Androes. When the glowing reports of the wonderful new land across the Atlantic reached them from relatives in Kansas, they decided to leave for the U.S., arriving here in 1893. They made their first home in McPherson, later moving to the Hillsboro, Lehigh and Goessel communities.

Lena was the oldest in a family of seven children and since her mother was not well, she had to take care of most of the family's needs. Her days of learning were shortened, but she was especially influenced by one teacher, Catherine Voth, later Sister Catherine of the deaconess sisterhood. It was through her influence that Lena later became led to devote her life as a deaconess.

In her early teens she became aware of her spiritual need and upon confession of faith was baptized in 1910 by Abraham Ratzlaff in the Alexanderwohl Church, Goessel. She transferred her membership to the First Mennonite Church of Newton in 1924.

She entered Bethel Deaconess Hospital in 1916 and was ordained a deaconess in 1924. She was a willing worker, active in the laundry and later as a housekeeper. She loved to knit and do fancy work. Her greatest delight was her association with the Senior Auxiliary which did much sewing, mending and monogramming of linens for the hospital and nursing home. In the sisters' home, she was always ready to do things for all of us. Anything needed, Sister Lena knew where to get it or find it or mend it.

Sister Lena enjoyed her vacations in Colorado, Minnesota and California, and many summers she spent vacations with relatives in Iowa, Washington, Idaho and California.

As long as her health permitted she was faithful in church attendance. The last year her failing health curtailed all activities. She spent time in the Bethel Home, then returned to the sisters' home, before returning to the Bethel Home again in January. She died there on June 20, 1978 and entered the presence of her Savior.

She was the last survivor of her immediate family.