ANNA THIESSEN (HILDEBRANDT)

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ANNA THIESSEN (nee HILDEBRANDT) Anna Thiessen was born on January 18, 1924 in Neuendorf, Ukraine, Russia. Her parents were Jakob Hildebrandt and Susanna (nee Bergen). Anna lived in Neuendorf throughout her youth and school years. During The Second World War, in 1941, the homestead had been overtaken. The churches were allowed to reopen and pastors were reinstated. Anna was baptized on June 13, 1943, upon the confession of her faith in Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour by Bishop Heinrich Winter in Neuendorf, Ukraine, Russia. In October 1943, the family had to flee their homeland because of the war. They arrived in Germany and remained there for five years but were constantly fleeing from place to place. During this time, in 1944, Anna married Franz Thiessen. Shortly after, Franz was drafted into the War and Anna never saw her husband again. On April 6, 1945, while still fleeing, Anna gave birth to her their son, Frank. In June of 1948, when her son Frank was only three years old, they were finally allowed to immigrate to Canada. Anna's parents had arrived in Canada a few months earlier. When Anna arrived in Canada, she had to leave her young son with her parents so she could go to work for a farmer in order to repay her voyage costs. A while later, Anna moved to Winkler and worked at the Winkler Dry Cleaners for seven years. In 1950, she became a member of the Bergthaler Mennonite Church in Winkler, Manitoba. Years later, Anna moved to Winnipeg where she worked for Monarch Machinery for seven years followed by 22 years at Palliser Furniture. During her years in Winnipeg, Anna became a member of the Sargent Avenue Mennonite Church, where she worshipped until her passing. Sadly, in the year 2000, Anna was diagnosed with cancer and battled this disease until her passing. Anna passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Anna was predeceased by her father (1959), mother (1987), her brother John (2004) and sister Susan (2011). Anna Thiessen leaves behind her son Frank; three grandchildren: Richard, Michael and Melanie; and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Katie (Bernhard) Krause and her brother Peter (Frieda) Hildebrand. Funeral service will be held on Monday, October 27, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Sargent Avenue Mennonite Church, 926 Garfield Street, Winnipeg, MB, with viewing at the church prior to the service. Burial will follow at Sargent Avenue Mennonite Church Cemetery in Springstein, Manitoba. If friends so desire, donations in memory of Anna may be made to Canadian Cancer Society Manitoba Division. Arrangements by: BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 25, 2014