Fast, Ella Elvira (1907-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2001 Dec 7 p. 24

Birth date: 1907 Feb 23

text of obituary:

ELLA ELVIRA FAST

Ella Elvira Fast of Abbotsford, B.C passed away Feb. 28. She was born Feb. 23,1907 to Daniel and Maria Fast in Morden, Man. She had 5 brothers and 1 sister. She wanted to be a teacher like her father, but her help was needed at home. In her teens, she accepted Christ, was baptized and joined Main Centre (Sask.) MB Church, A year or 2 later, she joined the choir. The family moved to the grandparents' farm at Turnhill, Sask. She attended Herbert (Sask.) Bible School. She developed a heart for service, joined the choir and taught Sunday school. Crop failures led her to Saskatoon, where she worked 2-3 years, During the Depression, she moved to Vancouver, where she was housekeeper for the Allans for several years. Shortly, her parents, sister Mary and brothers Ernest and Dan moved in with her. She continued singing in the choir and attended church. They lived on a chicken farm in Surrey, B.C when her mother died in 1943. They moved to Vancouver and attended Fraserview MB Church. She taught a Sunday school class of girls, enjoying it great1y and giving parties for the girls. She painted houses that her brothers Ernest and Dan built and answered phone calls during the day. About 1975, she, Ernest and Mary moved to Abbotsford, where they lived in a house together for 14 years. They joined the Alliance Church. Ernest died of cancer in 1989. She and Mary moved to a condo. They enjoyed participating in several charitable endeavours in a quiet retirement. She became sick on Sept. 26, 2000 and was hospitalized. Predeceased by 4 brothers, she is mourned by her sister Mary and brother Albert. The memorial service was held Mar. 7, with Lyle Magnus ministering.