ANNA KLASSEN

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ANNA KLASSEN (nee PENNER) August 24, 1924 - December 19, 2016  It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Anna Klassen, on December 19, 2016, at the Concordia Hospital, at the age of 92. Left to treasure her memories are her children, Henry Klassen (Susan), Helga Berger (Will), and Elviera Baker (Rick), her grandchildren, Tonia Bjarnason (Todd), Kendra Strijack (Bradford), Conrad Berger, Krista Klassen (Max) and David Berger, great-grandchildren, Maylen, Felix, Theo and Oliver, her sister, Grete Fast, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews in Canada and in Germany. Mom was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, Heinrich, her parents, Johann and Maria Penner, and her siblings, Maria, Johann, Isaak, Jakob, Heinrich and Tina. Anna was born in 1924 in Alexandrowka, a small Mennonite village in Ukraine. She and her family were caught up in some of the major events of the 20th Century. She experienced the aftershocks of the Russian Revolution, was caught between opposing powers on the Eastern Front during the Second World War and took part in the Great Trek to Freedom of the Mennonite refugees fleeing the tyranny of Stalinist Russia. During this ordeal Mom met her future husband, Henry Klassen. The two were separated briefly but reunited in 1948 in North Kildonan, another small Mennonite village. They married, started a family and planted roots, which held until the end of their lives. As a result of their early life experiences they came to value family, faith and friendships as evidenced in the constant flow of people in and out of the Klassen household. Mom was an exceptional cook, baker and hostess. She was extremely generous, full of fun and laughter and always enjoyed a wide circle of friends and family from all walks of life and of all ages.  Mom considered herself especially blessed when grandchildren arrived and she forged extremely strong bonds and alliances with each one of them. They, in turn, were loyal and protective of their Oma. She coddled them, overfed them and was their greatest ally in their conflicts with their parents. The little darlings could do no wrong. When Dad passed away in 1996, Mom found herself alone for the first time in her life. Not wanting to burden her children, Mom decided to sell the family home and move to Kingsfordhaus where she spent the next 18 years maintaining old friendships and making many new ones. In the last few years Mom's health was failing her but her spirit did not. She remained uncomplaining and positive and her only regret was that she couldn't do more for her family and others. Throughout her life in Canada, Mom was an active member of North Kildonan and then Springfield Heights Mennonite Churches. Mom's faith was unquestioning but she never imposed her beliefs on others. She was grateful for all God had given her. Mom lived her life to the fullest and we will miss her so very much. The family would like to thank her "morning" girls from Home Care and especially Pauline and Laura, and the wonderful staff at Concordia ICU who looked after Mom in her last days.  Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 23 at 11:00 a.m. at Springfield Heights Mennonite Church, 570 Sharron Bay with reception and interment to follow. For those who wish, donations may be made to MCC Manitoba.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 22, 2016