Schroeder, Sara Doerksen (1896-1973)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1973 Mar 23 p. 31

Birth date: 1896 Nov 06

text of obituary:

SARA SCHROEDER

Sara Schroeder (nee Doerksen) was born in 1896 in South Russia. After attending elementary and girls' school in NeuHalbstadt, she took teacher training and taught in several schools before the revolution. The Doerksen family fled to Petershagen, where the Communist authorities appointed her teacher of Russian refugee children, but without salary.

In the difficult times at Schoenfeld, where the Machno bandits murdered her brother, she committed her life to the Lord. She was married to Wilhelm W. Schroeder in 1923, and buried their first son the following year. In 1925 they moved to Meadows, Manitoba, and later to Rosengard, near Steinbach.

Here their 8 children grew up. The grace of God was evident in their family life, and in 1934 they joined the MB Church in Steinbach. Under the influence of the mother, the children found their Lord and Saviour. An infant daughter died in 1933. Faithful in prayer, always willing to sacrifice, she served the Lord.

During the last six years of her life she suffered from Parkinson's disease, and she gradually became weaker. In September in a fall beside her bed, she broke her hip. Since then she remained in hospital, where, in spite of excellent care, she died on February 21. In spite trying times, she affirmed her faith to the triumphant end. She was 76 years old.

Left to mourn are her husband, five sons, and three daughters, 13 grandchildren, four brothers, three sisters, and many other relatives and friends. The funeral service was held on February 25 from the Steinbach MB Church, with Rev. John Reimer in charge.