Retzlaff, Mary Fast (1895-1991)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1991 Nov 8 p. 28

Birth date: 1901 Nov 17

text of obituary:

DAVID D. GOERTZEN

Mary Ret zlaff of Clearbrook, B.C. passed away Sept. 4. She was born Nov. 15, 1895 to Cor n elius an d Ma rga r eta Fast in Alexander krone , Molotschna, Russia. The family mo ved to Terek in 1903 and to Kalantarowka in 1911. Here sh e was baptized and joined the Mennonite Church. She married John Retzlaff Apr. 18, 1918. They lived on hi s pa rents' fa rm. In 1923 they both accepted Christ during revival services, were baptized again and joined the MB church . One son died in infancy and the other died of starvation at age 4. In 1924 they immigrated to Canada with their 2 daughters. They lived in many places in Ma nitoba : Gnadenthal, Osterwick, Killarney, Fork River and Winnipegosis. In 1941 they moved to B.C., where they enjoyed the fellowship of Clearbrook MB Church. John died J uly 10, 1954. The difficult years moulded in her a quiet, independent character. Despite herillnesses, she gave evidence of her strong faIth. Her prayer was that all her family would serve the Lord she had loved and trust ed throughout her life. She is mour ned by her children Margaret Lepp of Carman, Man ., Mary Neufeld of Westlock, Alta. , Vict or of Surrey, B.C., Eva Esau of Clearbrook, J ohn of Calgary, Kay of Clearbrook and Olga Papou of Abbotsford, B.C. ; 18 grandchildren ; 40 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandson; 2 brothers and 1 sister. The funeral was Sept. 9 in Clearbrook MB Church, with J.E . Klassen and John Esau ministering.