Hamm, Erna Dyck (1931-1977)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1977 Aug 19 p. 30

Birth date: 1931 Oct 05

text of obiturary:

MRS. ERNA HAMM

Mrs. Erna Hamm of Hamilton went to be with the Lord on July 7 after a lengthy illness. The funeral was held at the Park Ave. Church in Burlington, Ontario with W. Sift, John Unger and Edward Hamm ministering. She was born on October 5, 19:31 in Osterwick, in the Ukraine, to Mr. and Mrs. George Dyck. In 1943 her parents and their children fled Russia, first to Poland and then to Germany, and arrived finally in Canada in 1948. They settled in Morden, Man. where Erna worked as a practical nurse. There she met her husband, Dave Hamm, whom she married in November, 1954. After a year and a half, they moved to Hamilton, where she was employed as a nurse for a number of years until ill health no longer permitted it. Between 1962 and ] 969 they had the privilege of caring for 17 foster children.

Erna first came to see her need for forgiveness of sins during the ministry of Rev. Cornelius Penner in Germany in 1947. She accepted Christ as her Saviour at the time. Later, after an experience in which she felt she saw Christ hanging on the cross, 8he rededicated her life to the Lord. She was baptized and received into the Bergthaler Church in Morden. Later she joined the Morden Mennonite Brethren Church so that she might be 'part of the fellowship of her husband's church. They were part of the Stoney Creek MB Church after moving to Hamilton and later moved to the Park Ave. Church.

Erna's love for the Lord and people was felt throughout her ministry as a nurse. Although she suffered much, she was an inspiration to many through her suffering.

Her passing will be mourned by her husband, Dave; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Dyck; her mother-in-law, (Mrs.) Tena Hamm; two brothers, Jake and wife Lori, George and wife Irene; one sister, Kathy (Mrs. Carl) Steele; and many friends and relatives. They know that she is with the One who died for her and whom she loved so dearly.