Sawatsky, Anne Leona Pankratz (1926-1964)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1964 Dec 04 p. 19

Birth date: 1926 Apr 28

text of obituary:

MRS. ANNE SAWATSKY

Anne Leona Sawatsky, nee Pankratz, was born on April 28, 1926, in the Caucasus, Russia; the eldest daughter of Jacob and Anna Pankratz. At the age of seven months she, with her parents left Europe for Canada and lived at Waldheim, Saskatchewan for approximately two years. From Waldheim the family moved to British Columbia and eventually settled at Abbotsford. It was here that Anne grew up. It was also, here that Anne experienced salvation and was baptized upon confession of her faith and received into the M.B. Church at South Abbotsford. This was in 1943. Her faith remained steadfast to the end.

On October 5th, 1945 Anne married Peter Sawatsky. The union was blessed with six children. Peter and Anne enjoyed just over nineteen years of wedded life, living near Holmfield, Manitoba most of this time.

Anne always showed a keen interest in music, and particularly liked to sing, "In the sweet by and by," being one of her favourite hymns. In addition she enjoyed nature and took great pleasure in spending much leisure time with her family. Her family will ever cherish her love and devotion. On August 23rd 1964, her last Sunday at church, she had the joy of seeing her two eldest children baptized and received into church fellowship.

By this time it became apparent that her health was definitely failing. It pleased the Lord to take her from us on Saturday, November 14th, 1964; having attained the age of 38 years, 6 months,and 17 days.

She leaves to mourn her husband, Peter; two sons, Ronald and Lawrence; four daughters, Cheryl, Eileen, Myrna Lynn and Adrienne; her mother and father of Clearbrook, B.C.; two brothers and two sisters, Jacob, Harry, Helen (Mrs. David Krahn) and Luella (Mrs. Menno Dyck) all of B.C.; her mother and father-in-law; her brothers and sisters-in-law; and a host of friends.

Anne's final words could well have been those of the Apostle Paul: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course. I have kept the faith."