Janzen, Erica Louise (1967-1974)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1975 Feb 07 p. 28

Birth date: 1967 July 04

text of obituary:

ERICA LOUISE JANZEN

It was with joy and sadness that Ed and Louise Janzen of Dundas, Ont. received their first child, Erica Louise, on July 4, 1967. Life for her was uncertain from the beginning.

Her parents write: "The initial feelings of sorrow because of her handicaps soon gave way to the rich experiences which characterized our relationship with her: the happiness she exuded when she was smiled at or picked up; her endless enjoyment at being sung to or having music played for her; the excitement of participating in small family outings such as swinging in Dundas Park or having an ice-cream cone at the Dairy Queen; her happy anticipation almost every day in waiting for the taxi to pick her up for school or getting in the car to go to Sunday school.

" Her life was one of many relationships. They began with the doctor and nurses at St. Joseph's Hospital who cared for her and helped her through her first critical stages .... She made many friends in the church because she responded so openly to the affection that was given to her. The skills and concern of the staff at the Chedoke-McMaster Family Centre and lately at Centrehaven created in her the will to enjoy and the ability to use her potential.

"And when the early frost came and touched the fragile petals of her life, we knew that our lives had reached a depth they never would have known without her."

Erica passed away November 7. The funeral was held in the Hamilton (Ont.) Mennonite Church on November 11.