Schmidt, Anna Dick (1907-1975)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1975 Dec 26 p. 27

Birth date: 1907 Jan 12

text of obituary:

MRS. ANNA SCHMIDT

Anna Schmidt of Coaldale, Alta was born January 12, 1907 in Lichtfelde, Russia to John and Elizabeth Dick. She passed away November 10 after a lengthy struggle with cancer. In her early youth she accepted Christ as her Saviour. Her faith in God was her greatest treasure, and it was for this faith that she interceded for each of her children and grandchildren. In 1928, two years after emigrating with her family to Canada, she was baptized and accepted into the Coaldale Mennonite Brethren Church. Three years later, in 1931, she married George Schmidt. It was a happy home into which six children were born.

At the funeral service Rev. Henry Nickel based a German meditation on 2 Tim. 1:12 and pastor Rudy Heidebrecht spoke in English from Phil. 1:21. At a fellowship lunch following, a number of people paid high tribute to the friendliness and love that Mrs. Schmidt had practised during her lifetime.

She loved to sing, and tried to instill in all her children an appreciation for music and for the beauty of the world around them. They remember her as one who loved to do everything together as a family.

On Sunday, the day before her passing, when she could no longer speak, she motioned for a piece of paper on which she wrote, "Mein Glaube ... dies ist mein Zeugniss" (My hope ... this is my testimony). She did not write more, but indicated that family members present should finish the song: "My hope is built on nothing less / Than Jesus' blood and righteousness." She listened as the words were read. Satisfied, she smiled and nodded her head.

She leaves to mourn her husband, George; six children: Werner, (Mrs.) Heidi Kornelson, John, (Mrs.) Helga Loewen, (Mrs.) Louise Knelson, (Mrs.) Linda Bensler; two brothers, Bernhard Dick and Peter Dick; three sisters, (Mrs.) Tina Janzen, (Mrs.) Elizabeth Wall, and (Mrs.) Mary Regehr; and 18 grandchildren.