JUSTINA (NEUFELD) KEHLER (NEUFELD)

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JUSTINA (NEUFELD) KEHLER Justina (Neufeld) Kehler (July 7, 1930) having been refined and tested by affliction in the last days of her life, and found to be patient and full of grace, was borne into the Lord's presence on March 9, 2019. She goes to meet her beloved husband, Larry after a separation of four years. Also her parents, Henry and Pauline (Starke) Neufeld, brothers, Henry and Dave, sisters, Anne Redekopp and Helena Hoffmeister. She leaves behind, to mourn her loss, her children, Daryl and Faye, son-in-law Dennis Lawrynuik and grandchildren, Sarah and Peter Lawrynuik. Also sister Mary Enns and brother Bill (Ruth). Jessie was known for her kindness and generosity in her work first as a nurse and later as an ordained chaplain. She also pursued service through roles in her church and beyond. She was born July 7, 1930 and grew up one of seven children born to Mennonite immigrants from Eastern Europe. The family was not wealthy and she needed to work for room and board in order to finish high school. Jessie then enrolled in nursing school at Calgary General Hospital and graduated in 1953. She went on to earn a diploma from Canadian Mennonite Bible College in 1957 while also working shifts at the Winnipeg Grace Hospital. Jessie met her husband while at Canadian Mennonite Bible College. They married in 1958 and spent their first two years in voluntary service at Matheson Island. During that time, Daryl was born. The family grew with the addition of Faye during a time in the USA where Larry pursued more education and work with Mennonite Central Committee. After returning to Winnipeg in 1967, Jessie started back into nursing at a nursing home - Heritage Lodge. She cared deeply for the residents. In her 50s she was daring enough to pursue a new career after a two-year chaplaincy course, working on the Psychiatry Ward at the St. Boniface General Hospital. Even after her official retirement, she was willing to take on interim roles as pastor and chaplain. What was most endearing about her was her commitment to and care of people beyond the usual requirements set by a job description. Her family knew that despite sharing her, she would also be there fully for them. I remember, Mom. THANK YOU. Memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Charleswood Mennonite Church, 699 Haney Street. Donations in Jessie's memory may be made to Mennonite Central Committee or to Charleswood Mennonite Church, available at the service.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 16, 2019