Klassen, Agatha (1910-2000)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 2000 Jun 23 p 29

Birth date: 1910 Sep 1

Text of obituary:

AGATHA KLASSEN

Agatha Klassen of St. Catharines, Ont. passed away Apr. 22 of a stroke. She was born Sept. 1, 1910 to Johann and Gertrud Klassen in Blumenfeld, Ukraine. Her mother died when Agatha was 9; she left school at 13 to cook and clean for her family. In 1928 the family immigrated to Waterloo, Ont., where she worked on farms, helped a retired doctor and packaged meat at Schneiders for 6 years. She trained as a practical nurse and worked at St. Peter's Hospital, Hamilton Sanatorium, Bethesda and Shaver Hospital. After retirement, she acquired a driver's licence. She moved to an apartment near Scott Street MB Church in St. Catharines, where she was a member. She volunteered for 22 years at Tabor Manor. She was loved and appreciated for her cheerful optimism and service. In August 1999, she suffered her first stroke. On Dec. 1 , 1999 she moved to Tabor Manor. Predeceased by her parents, stepmother Tina Klassen, 4 brothers and 2 sisters, she is mourned by sisters Helen and Bertha. The funeral was Apr. 26 at Tallman Funeral Chapel, Vineland, Ont., with Rudie Willms ministering.