MARGARETE BRAUN

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MARGARETE BRAUN (nee JANSEN) November 2, 1923 - May 2, 2017 It is with great sadness, that we announce the passing of our dear mother, sister and aunt, Margarete Braun on May 2, 2017 at Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home. Margarete was born to Margaretha and Julius Jansen on November 2, 1923 in Nieder Chortiza, Ukraine. She was predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband John, brother and sister-in-law Hein and Hilli Jansen, brother Peter, sisters Frieda, Erna and Leni, brother-in-law Jacob Wiebe and brother-in-law Jacob Braun. Family was everything to Margarete and she treasured her large extended family. She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter Erna, sister Elsie Wiebe, sister Irene (Henry) Dyck, brother John (Margaret), sister Helen (Jack) Laverty, sister Malita Heinrichs, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Victor and Elfrieda Braun, brother-in-law Cornelius Braun, brother-in-law Ray Heinrichs, sisters-in-law Betty Anne Braun and Erna Siemens and many, many nieces and nephews in Manitoba, Ontario and Germany. Margarete was born in very challenging times. The hardships she and her family faced were conditions in which Margarete's character, strength and faith was forged. Hers was an indomitable spirit that led her family on the treacherous journey from Ukraine to Germany and into a new life in Canada. It was in Bucholz, Germany, awaiting news to come to Canada, that Margarete caught the eye of John Braun. A match was made but circumstances separated them as they departed to different parts of Canada. The Jansen family arrived in Halifax at Pier 21 in March 1948, and travelled by train to Winnipeg. Margarete never ceased to say how grateful she was to have come to this great country. While working in Port Rowan, Ontario, John discovered that Margarete and her family were in Steinbach. A six month courtship started with hundreds of letters exchanged. John moved to Winnipeg to wed the love of his life and on May 6, 1950 they were married at First Mennonite Church. The following year their daughter Erna was born. Margarete would always say what a wonderful life she had. Even when there were difficult times, she would maintain a positive outlook and find the way to surmount any issue. Family, whether it was John and Erna or her extended family, was her focus and included many gatherings, celebrations, camping trips and road trips to the Rockies or Niagara. Travel was something that Margarete had always enjoyed and after John passed away, she continued to explore Canada by joining her daughter on business trips, conferences and tours. Her annual winter retreat to Victoria was a highlight and created many warm memories for her. As she entered her 90s, she reflected on how rich and fulfilled her life had been and how blessed she had been. Peacefully at daybreak on May 2, Margarete began her next journey to be with her heavenly Father. Margarete's funeral will be held Friday, May 12, 2017 11:00 a.m., at First Mennonite Church, 922 Notre Dame Avenue, with viewing Thursday evening from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street. Donations may be made to Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 06, 2017