Willems, Katharina Schroeder (1899-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Oct 25 p. 26

Birth date: 1899 Aug 26

text of obituary:

KATHARINA WILLEMS

Katharina Willems passed away Sept. 3. She was born Aug. 26, 1899 to John and Katherine Schroeder in Nickolayevka, Russia, the oldest of 11 children. The family immigrated to Canada in 1904, settling on a homestead in Main Centre, Sask. At 14, she prayed with her mother, inviting the Lord to be her Saviour; 5 years later, she was baptized and joined Main Centre MB Church. She met Jacob Willems at Herbert (Sask.) Bible School; they married Oct. 25, 1923 and settled near Brotherfield, Sask. She gave herself unselfishly to raising her family; worked tirelessly at gardening, cooking, sewing and farm chores; and found satisfaction and relaxation in doing handwork and growing beautiful flowers. She passed her love of singing to the family, encouraging them to use this talent in church. Jacob died in 1976. She moved to Westview Lodge in Waldheim, Sask. She remained productive, quilting, making MCC blankets, growing flowers, entertaining family and being involved in church. At 94, she moved to Spruce Manor Special Care Home in Dalmeny, Sask. She is remembered as a godly mother. Predeceased by 1 daughter, she is mourned by children Adelina, Katie Schmidt, Laura Martens, Evelyn Buhler, Albert, Harold, Walter, Victor and Edward; 62 grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; 2 sisters and 2 brothers. The funeral was Sept. 7 in Waldheim MB Church, with Clarence Peters ministering.