Epp, Erna Kathelene (1920-1977)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1977 Oct 14 p.30

Birth date: 1920 Aug 06

text of obituary:

ERNA KATHELENE EPP

Erna Kathelene Epp was born on August 6, 1920 in the village of Alexanderwohl, Ukraine, to Abram and Anna Epp. The family emigrated to Canada in 1925 and settled in Coaldale, Alberta. In 1944 they moved to Yarrow, B.C. and in 1950 to Vancouver, where she lived until she was called home to heaven on August 9. At the age of 16 Erna was baptized and joined the Coaldale Mennonite Brethren Church. After her father's death in 1937 through an industrial accident, Erna, as the eldest child, felt keenly her responsibilities to her widowed mother and siblings.

Erna had a creative and sensitive spirit. She loved all nature around her. Her love of music led her to learn to play guitar, harmonium and piano. She sang much in the home, in choirs and small groups. Her enthusiasm was catching! She had a great desire to serve the Lord, in many areas of church work and as a nurse, nursing unit clerk or in whatever capacity she was involved with other people. During recent years she especially enjoyed and was blessed by her involvement in Christian Women's Clubs.

A recent illness was a time of testing and refining: though her outward beauty faded because of her illness, her inner person grew in radiance and strength. The Lord delivered her from suffering and now she is with him. Erna is survived by her mother, (Mrs.) Anna Epp; her sisters, Anne Marie, Susan, Elizabeth, Martha (Mrs. Ernest) Enns; her brothers, Abraham, Douglas and Dan; her nieces and nephews; and many relatives and friends who await a reunion in heaven.