Van Bergen, Irene Matthies (1917-2005)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2005 Sep 27

Birth date: 1917 Sep 27

text of obituary:

IRENE VAN BERGEN

Irene Van Bergen died June 25. She was born Sept. 27, 1917 in Kuban, Russia to Isaak and Hilda Matthies. In 1924 the family emigrated from Russia with stops in Cuba and Mexico, arriving in Canada in 1926. They settled in Manitou, Man. She accepted the Lord, was baptized and joined the MB church in 1931. In 1935 they moved to Black Creek, B.C. She became a charter member of the MB Church and served in ladies fellowship and Sunday school. She married Henry Van Bergen Aug. 28, 1938. She loved flowers, gardening, baking and knitting. She was a devout, joyful and praying mother. In 1983 they moved to Clearbrook, B.C., joining Bakerview MB Church. 1 Thess. 5:16-18 exemplified her life. Predeceased by Henry May 17, 2003, she is mourned by daughter Ellenor Tweedy, Campbell River, B.C.; sons Ed of Langley and Herb of Port Coquitlam; 2 sisters; 1 brother. The funeral was June 30 in Bakerview MB Church with Ray Harris and Wilmer Kornelson ministering.