Toews, Anna Janzen (1901-1966)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1966 Feb 04 p. 18

Birth date: 1901 Jun 30

text of obituary:

MRS. ANNA TOEWS

Anna (nee Janzen) Toews was born June 30, 1901, in the village of Karaguj, Orenburg, Russia, where she also spent her childhhood and youth.

At 18 years of age she recognized her lost condition, accepted Christ as her Saviour and was baptized and accepted into the Mennonite church. She later joined the Mennonite Brethren church. On October 22, 1922 she married C. D. Toews, and together they began 43 years of wedded bliss. In 1926 the Lord led them to Canada where they were blessed with six children, three sons and three daughters.

After their ordination into the ministry in 1936, she acknowledged her sacred duty, and supported her husband wholeheartedly. After 14 years in Manitoba the Lord called them to British Columbia where she was active in the Sunday school as well as the ladies work in the church. Her personal work with women was especially blessed during her three years of service with the MCC in Europe.

Shortly before Christmas she became ill with a serious heart ailment, and was admitted to the hospital on December 28, 1965. A severe heart attack on January 6, followed by a second one on January 9, ushered her ino eternal rest.

Funeral services were held on January 13, at the Clearbrook Church with many friends and acquaintances overflowing the sanctuary. Officiating ministers were J. Pankratz of East Aldergrove and H. H. Nikkel.

We feel that the passing of our sister in Christ was a great loss, but knowing that our heavenly Father makes no mistakes, we rejoice that she may now rest from all earthly tasks.

She leaves to mourn her husband, Rev. C. D. Toews; three daughters: Mrs. Leo (Clara) Dueck, Vancouver, Mrs. Jack (Nellie) Krahn, North Vancouver, Mrs. Helmut (Lily) Allert, Kamloops, and three sons, Neil of Kamloops, Harry of Vancouver and Walter of Winnipeg, as well as ten grandchildren, two sisters and one brother in Russia