IRENE SAWATZKY

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

IRENE SAWATZKY It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Irene Sawatzky, our wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, peacefully on October 27, 2018. Irene was born in German-occupied Poland in August of 1944. In infancy, she and her mother Rosa were separated from her father Peter and was sent back to Siberia along with some of her father's family. Her father, a physician with the German army, was taken as a prisoner of war for two years and then made it to Canada to live with relatives. In 1951, when Irene was six years old, her mother Rosa, also a physician, died after several strokes. Irene then lived with her Uncle Jacob's family until the age of 16. At this time Irene was told that her father was alive and well in Canada, with his second wife and young daughter. Peter and his wife Hilda were determined to reunite with Irene and bring her to Canada. Given the politics of Communist Russia in the 1960s, the task of getting a teenager out of Russia was not an easy undertaking but Irene's Aunt Thekla, Rosa's sister, was willing to help despite the risks from the authorities. With great tenacity and determination, Irene was allowed to emigrate and left Russia, understanding she might never return. Irene arrived in Montreal in 1963 where she was met by her father, whom she had never met. Irene joined her new parents, Peter and Hilda, and new sister Ursula at their home on Glenwood Crescent in Winnipeg and she soon became part of the Mennonite cultural community that had immediately embraced her. As a young, beautiful, single woman, it was not long before Irene was engaged. John Sawatzky proposed to Irene in Bird's Hill Park and they were married in July 27, 1968. They spent their first year teaching at Pauingassi First Nations reserve, and the next year they returned to Winnipeg to start their family: first Tamira Rosanne, then Cynthia Katherine, followed by Robert John. Children were the joy of Irene's life, whether it was raising her own or working with special needs children, which she did throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Irene's unique ability with children allowed her to flourish in the education and caretaking of children who required extra attention and patience. After retiring, Irene and John enjoyed travelling, spending time at the cottage and caring for their grandchildren, Max, Thomas, Fischer and Ellis. As a family we were fortunate to meet up in various places around the world, including Australia, Bali, and most recently in Italy, where the family celebrated John and Irene's 50th wedding anniversary. Irene was predeceased by her parents, Peter and Hilda Mierau, and mother Rosa (nee Schneider). She will be lovingly remembered by her husband John; children, Tamira (Elle), Cynthia (Greg) and Robert (Anjali); four grandsons, Maxwell, Thomas, Fischer and Ellis. Also left to mourn is her sister Ursula Wiebe (Erni) and their family, Sawatzky side brother and sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank all the staff at Concordia Hospital for all their wonderful care. Funeral service to take place on Thursday, November 1, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Sargent Avenue Mennonite Church with viewing prior to service. Viewing will also be held on Wednesday, October 31 between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street, Winnipeg. Interment in Sargent Avenue Cemetery in Springstein. In lieu of flowers, a tribute donation can be made to Mennonite Central Committee for projects in support of child health and education.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 30, 2018