Cornelsen, Mary Classen (1889-1971)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1971 Dec 30 p. 5

Birth date: 1889 Nov 13

text of obituary:

Death Claims Former College Librarian

Mrs. Mary (Classen) Cornelsen, daughter of Jacob J. Classen, was born on Nov. 13, 1889 at Jansen, Neb., and departed this life on Oct. 17, 1971, having reached the age of 81 years, 11 months, and three days.

At an early age she lost here parents through death, so she with three brothers and a sister made their home with their married brothers and sisters.

She was baptized upon confession of faith and received into the church by the late bishop Abram L. Friesen at Meade, Kan.

She was married to Isaac W. Cornelsen on Oct. 16, 1910. The first years of their married life were spent on a farm at Meade, and later they moved to Santanta, Kan. In 1945 they moved to Steinbach, Manitoba.

In 1939 she underwent surgery on her leg, and as a result had to walk with crutches the remainder of her life. In May of this year she was admitted to the Steinbach Hospital due to bleeding ulcers.

During her stay in the hospital and extended care, she repeatedly expressed her desire to go and be with her Lord. She was a loving mother and had a vital concern for the spiritual welfare of her family, serving the Lord in a quiet way.

Preceding her in death were one daughter, Elizabeth, Mrs. G. Doerksen; four brothers, John, Jake, Pete and George Classen; two sisters, Katharine, Mrs. J. W. Cornelsen, and Elizabeth, Mrs. John Bartel.

She leaves to mourn her departure her husband; four daughters, Marie, Mrs. John P. Doerksen, Katharine, Mrs. D. P. Doerksen, Anna, Mrs. Pete Doerksen, and Helen, of the home; two sons, Pete and wife Lena and Ben and wife Sibyl; 18 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one brother, Isaac Classen of Meade.

Services were held at the Evangelical Mennonite Church of Blumenort, Manitoba on Oct. 21 at 2:30, with Eugene Classen of Duluth, Minn. and Rev. Frank D. Reimer officiating. Internment was made in the church cemetery.