Regehr, Katherine Maria Klassen (1909-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Jun 21 P. 26

Birth date: 1909 Oct 4

text of obituary:

KATHERINE MARIA REGEHR

Katherine Maria Regehr passed away Mar. 14 in Abbotsford, B.C. She was born Oct. 4, 1909 to David and Katharina Klassen in Kantemirowka, Russia. When she was 12, the family fled to the Kuban. Here she accepted Christ. The family immigrated to Hepburn, Sask. Within a year, they moved to Coaldale, Alta. She reluctantly gave up school to go to work to help support the family. She was baptized July 17, 1927, joining the MB Church. She married Cornie Regehr Apr. 20, 1940. They moved to Yarrow, B.C. and Vancouver, where Cornie worked in the shipyards. They soon returned to Yarrow. She raised a family and was active in school, church and the ladies aid. In 1956 they moved to a 7-acre berry farm. She taught Sunday school for students with disabilities and helped launch the MCC annual sale and MCC self-help stores. She had a love of books and learning. In the 1960s, she and Cornie completed grade 11 at night school. Cornie retired as a rural mailman in the early 1980s. They were active with church work and running the farm. After Christmas 1987, she suffered an aneurysm and was expected to die, but came out of a coma after a few days. Although she never regained full health, she was able to travel a little, go to church and keep her sense of humour. In 1993 they moved to a condo in Abbotsford. She crocheted for her daughters and granddaughters and read the Bible and other books. Predeceased by a sister, she is mourned by Cornie; children John, Hank, Corny Jr., and Margarete Friesen; 8 grandchildren; 2 sisters and 1 brother. The memorial service was Mar. 18 in Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, with Heinz Ratzlaff and Jay Neufeld ministering.