Schroeder, Anna Fast (1879-1975)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1976 Feb 06 p. 29

Birth date: 1879 Apr 26

text of obituary:

(MRS.) ANNA SCHROEDER

The daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Braun (nee Fast), (Mrs.) Anna Schoeder was born in the Crimea, Russia, on April 26 1879. On April 20, 1902 she married Peter Schroeder, a union blessed with four daughters and five sons. During the revolution in Russia the Schroeders were forced to flee their home several times; they moved to Canada in 1925.

Shortly after arriving in Gnadenthal Manitoba, where the William Dycks provided them with their first Canadian home they purchased a farm near Plum Coulee, Man. Despite the difficulties of a new land, by trusting in the Lord and working hard hey succeeded in overcoming the hardships. At this time they were baptized and joined the Mennonite Brethren church. The Schroeders moved to Elm Creek in 1929, farming here until their retirement to Winnipeg in 1947. Here they joined the South End (now Central) Mennonite Brethren Church.

Mrs. Schroeder's husband passed away in 1967, after the two had been able to celebrate the golden and later the diamond anniveraries of their life together. She lived in her own home for three years following her husband's death, together with (Mrs.) Maria Klassen, before moving into Donwood Manor in Winnipeg in 1970. There she especially enjoyed visits from her children and the fellowship of other believers. On December 26,1975, the Lord called his tired child home in her 97th year.

She was predeceased by her husband and one son in childhood; and leaves to mourn, four daughters and four sons with their families; 23 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; one brother and two sisters in Russia; and one brother in Yarrow, B.C.