IDA HILDEGARD TOEWS

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

IDA HILDEGARD TOEWS September 1, 1921 - January 11, 2014 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear sister, aunt, cousin and friend in the early hours of January 11, 2014 with family by her side. She was predeceased by her parents, the Rev. Abraham H. and Martha Toews; two sisters, Hannah in infancy and Ingvelde; brother H. Henry; sisters-in-law Freda Toews and Mildred Toews; and brother-in-law Henry Peters. Left to cherish her memory are sisters, Elfriede S. Peters, Edith A. Toews, Dr. Helen A. Toews; her nephew Paul H. Toews; her adopted family in Calgary, Thomas and Jean Cheuk and children; Stephanie, Samantha, Derek, Albert and Milan Lam and family; Anthony and Ada Lam and family; and many cousins and friends. Ida was born on September 1, 1921 in Blumenort, Southern Russia, where her father was teaching at that time. Ida was the fourth child of parents Rev. Abrahm Henry Toews and Martha Susanna (nee Friesen). In 1922 they moved to the family home in Alexanderwohl, Molotschna, Southern Russia and later immigrated to Canada in 1925. After several moves, they settled on a farm near Arnaud, Manitoba. Ida and her older siblings had to walk two and one half miles through bush and across prairie to get to a one-room school. This trek nurtured a love of nature in her which remained a passion all of her life and gave her the incentive to join the Manitoba Naturalist Society many years later. In 1933 the family moved to Winnipeg where better education facilities enabled her to complete high school and Normal School in order to become a teacher. Through continued studies she eventually obtained both B.A. and B.Ed. degrees from the University of Manitoba. Ida was baptized on the confession of her faith by the Rev. I. W. Redekopp and was accepted into the North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church. In 1976 she became part of the founding group of McIvor Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church where she remained for the rest of her life. Ida participated in many church activities and taught Sunday School for many rewarding years. After retirement she greatly enjoyed the fellowship of the Women's and Seniors' activities. Ida enjoyed teaching and added drama and concerts to enhance the program for her classes. She taught in elementary schools at Waldersee, Springstein, St. James and the Winnipeg School District. In 1960 she spent a wonderful year in Stuttgart, Germany, teaching English at the Maedchen-Gymnasium in Esslingen. She made many good friends there whom she visited many times in subsequent years. On her return to Winnipeg, she taught English and German at the secondary school level. Ida travelled extensively all over Canada, USA, Great Britain, the European Continent and Asia. She especially enjoyed her travels in Germany and spending time with her friends there. Ida loved music and the arts. In her senior years she spent much time with the Recorder Group at Good Neighbours Senior Centre and was active in the Winnipeg Early Music society. She also enjoyed hiking, cycling and skiing at Birds Hill Park. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at McIvor Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church, 200 McIvor Avenue with Pastors Les Riediger and Gerald Hildebrand officiating. Viewing prior to the service. Interment to follow in Elmwood Cemetery. Friends Funeral Service, 204-339-5555.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 15, 2014