Janzen, Katharina Elias (1909-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Oct 4 p. 27

Birth date: 1909 Dec 5

text of obituary:

KATHARINA (TIENNE) JANZEN

Katharina (Tienne) Janzen of Winkler, Man. passed away Aug. 15. She was born Dec. 5, 1909 to John M. and Maria Elias near Winkler. After high school in Winkler, she attended Normal School in Winnipeg. Her teaching career began in 1929 in Chortitz, Man., where she taught the upper grades in a 2-room school and was "principal". In 1934 she married John J. Janzen, also a teacher. They moved to the Meath School District, Kleefeld School District and numerous rural school districts in southern Manitoba. She worked with girls in sewing and the women of the communities in various ways. She creatively turned teacher's residences into a home. Winkler MB Church was her spiritual home throughout life. She was baptized and joined the church, and began teaching Sunday school at age 16. She served as church reporter to the Mennonitische Rundschau for over 30 years beginning in 1958. Later, she led the Bible studies for the senior women of the church. She enjoyed reading, writing, teaching and public speaking. She gave recitations at weddings, anniversaries and other gatherings. Her faith was the basis for her poetry and teaching. She suffered bouts of depression, but was helped by Eden Health Care Services. She found it easy to be generous. She spent her last year in Salem Home. Predeceased by John in 1992, a brother and 3 sisters , she is mourned by sons Alan, John and James; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 1 brother and 1 sister. The funeral was Aug. 19 in Winkler MB Church, with Ted Goossen and Brad Huebert ministering.