Bueckert, Elizabeth Pankratz (1917-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Dec 27 p. 19

Birth date: 1917 Jan 20

text of obituary:

ELIZABETH BUECKERT

Elisabeth Bueckert passed away Oct. 26. She was born Jan. 20 1917 to Heinrich and Helena Pankratz in Kronsfeld, Chortitza, Ukraine. When she was 5, her mother died. Her father married Sara Redekop. Elisabeth was 5th of 7 children. When she was 12, her parents and the 3 youngest children were sent to Siberia. Older brother Heinrich brought the 3 back to Schoeneberg, where she lived with her older married sisters and worked on the collective farm. In 1937 she married Abram Bueckert; he was arrested and disappeared the same year. In September 1937 son Abram was born. During the German occupation 1941-43, she accepted the Lord, remaining true to Him till death. In 1943 she was baptized and joined the MB church. She and Abram fled to Germany and in 1947 immigrated to Paraguay, living in Menno, Fernheim and, in 1950, Neuland colonies. The times were very hard. In 1971 they joined relatives in Canada . She worked in Mennonite Home for the Aged in Vineland, Ont. until retirement. She lived in an apartment next to Scott St. MB Church in St. Catharines, Ont. 1977-99, then moved into Tabor Manor. She is mourned by son Abram; 3 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter; and 1 sister.