Heidebrecht, Elizabeth Dirks (1901-1991)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 1991 Jul 19 p. 28

Birth date: 1901

text of obituary:

ELIZABETH HEIDEBRECHT

Elizabeth Heidebrecht of Coaldale, Alta. passed away May 31. She was born May 14, 1901 to Peter and Elizabeth Dirks in Gnadenfeld, Ukraine. By 1914 both parents, a sister and a brother had died. She faced the civil war with 2 brothers, but also had happy times as part of the community orchestra and church choir. In 1922 she married Peter Heidebrecht. In 1925 they immigrated to Linden, Alta., moving to Coaldale in 1947. She was a good provider for her family, making do with limited means. She had come to know the Saviour in her youth, and there were times of recommitment later. As a widow, she was often observed in deep concentration, reading God's Word and communing with her Master. She saw intercession for her family as her chief role. Poor health marked her whole life. She spent her last 6 months in Coaldale Health Care Centre. Predeceased by her husband in 1980 and son Victor in 1946, she is mourned by daughter s Erica Doucette of Abbotsford, B.C., Lillian Litke of Westlock, Alta., Hilda of Coaldale, Anne of Calgary and Betty Hall of Langley, B.C.; sons John of Abbotsford, B.C., Rudy of Coaldale, Harry of Clearbrook, B.C. and Herb of Linden; 19 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. The funeral was June 4 in Coaldale MB Church, with Ken Peters and Harry Heidebrecht ministering.