Loepp, Maria Martens (1900-2005)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2005 Apr 29 p. 27

Birth date: 1900 Feb 13

text of obituary:

MARIA LOEPP

Maria Loepp died Mar. 6. She was born Feb. 13, 1900 in Sagradowka, Ukraine to Frank and Katharina Martens. At 13 she was in charge of the household while her mother and sister searched for medical therapy. At 17 she accepted the Lord and was baptized. The family immigrated to Saskatchewan in July 1924. She married Johann Klassen, a widower, in 1928. They farmed in Blumenort, Sask., taught Sunday school and hosted family and missionaries, until they moved to Matsqui, B.C. in 1947. They were active in Matsqui MB Church. Johann died in 1960. Maria sold the farm and moved to Clearbrook, B.C. She took in Bible school students, and for 6 years, Helene Giesbrecht, who was blind, lived with her. Maria read to her for an hour every day. She married Jacob Loepp in 1972. He died in 1991 and she moved to Menno Home, Abbotsford. She made new friends and enjoyed visitors. She cherished the church bulletins, cassette tapes and the newsletter. She read avidly and sent letters, cards and poems to encourage friends and family. She continued to memorize Scripture past the age of 100. Predeceased by Johann and Jacob, daughter Tena Teichrob; sons John Klassen and Frank Klassen; 2 great-grandsons, she is mourned by daughters Mary Wiens, Hilda Born, Lore Reemeyer; step-sons Jake Loepp and Henry Loepp. The funeral was Mar. 12 in Clearbrook MB Church with Heinz Ratzlaff and Walter Wiens ministering.