KAETHE SAWATZKY

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KAETHE SAWATZKY With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Kaethe Sawatzky, beloved wife, mother, Oma and Uhr Oma. Kaethe Sawatzky (nee Derksen) was born on May 2, 1926 in Schoeneberg, Colony Chortitza, Ukraine to Peter and Maria Derksen. She had four brothers and one sister. In 1937, her father was imprisoned by the repressive government of the time and he never returned. Life was very difficult after that but the family's faith in God carried them through. Although the Soviet government had closed the churches, the family continued to read the Bible and pray. At the age of 16, Kaethe accepted Christ as her Saviour and was baptized in the village pond. Kaethe was able to take a course in Kindergarten service and she worked in caring for children then, and in the years to come. In 1943, the German population of the area was loaded onto boxcars and evacuated to the west: first to Poland and then to Germany. She spent two years in a refugee camp in Backnang, Germany, where she met and became engaged to Frank Sawatzky. In late 1948, Kaethe, along with her mother, her siblings and Frank, were able to immigrate to Canada. They settled in the North Kildonan area of Winnipeg. Kaethe married Frank on January 23, 1949. Their first child, Hilde, was born in October of that same year. Over the next 10 years, three more daughters joined the family. Being at home to lovingly care for her children was the greatest joy of her life. She enjoyed involvement in the ladies groups of the church, sewing, quilting, and providing in so many ways for the needs of her family. Her widowed mother, who lived to be 100 years old, and her two aunts were always a focus for her caring nature. The gift of hospitality was always evident in their home. Great sadness came when in 1968 her oldest daughter, Hilde, died at the age of 18. In 1970, three-year-old Louise Buors joined the family as a foster child for 18 months. Louise's sunny smile brought great joy and comfort to Kaethe. After Frank's retirement, the couple travelled extensively in the Americas and in Europe. A highlight was a visit to their home village in Ukraine. She continued to be actively involved in the lives of her family. She especially enjoyed spending time with and helping to care for each of her seven grandchildren as they came along. In 2012, Kaethe was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. Though she experienced considerable pain, she was able to continue to enjoy her family and her church community. Her strong faith in God sustained her during her illness as it had throughout her life. On September 15 the Lord granted her wish that she would not have to suffer for too long. She experienced a stroke and her condition deteriorated during the course of the day. She died on route to the palliative care hospital, with her daughter at her side. Left to cherish her memory are Frank, her loving husband of 65 years; her daughters, Marlene Regier (Herb), Lorie Battershill (Bill) and Lydia Penner (Lyle), Louise Buors, as well as her beloved grandchildren, Melanie Olfert (Rocky), David Regier, William Battershill (Amanda), Heidi Johnson (Dave), James Battershill (Catherine), Andrea Wiebe (Graham) and Joel Penner, as well as three great-grandsons. Also left to mourn her passing are her sister Mary Pries (Erwin) and brothers, Victor Derksen (Elvira) and John Derksen (Norma). Our thanks to her health care team; Dr. Kathryn Glazner, the palliative care nurses, especially Anne Ediger, and the kind staff at Riverview who cared for the whole family during the very short time that we were there. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at McIvor MB Church (200 McIvor Ave.) at 11:00 a.m. with viewing from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kaethe's memory to the McIvor Church Refugee Fund. FRIENDS FUNERAL SERVICE 204-339-5555

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 19, 2015