AGANETHA TOEWS

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

AGANETHA TOEWS (nee GIESBRECHT) 1921 - 2016 It is with great sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, on August 2, 2016 at St. Boniface Hospital with her family by her side. Aganetha will be sadly missed by her 11 children and their families, many friends and relatives. Aganetha was predeceased by her husband Simon F. Toews, her parents Abraham and Maria Giesbrecht, one daughter-in-law Marie Toews and two sons-in-law, Cornelius Giesbrecht and Peter J.F. Giesbrecht. Aganetha was born in Grunthal, MB but moved with her family to Paraguay in 1926. She learned how to work hard in the fields, on the farm and in the home. A work ethic we all witnessed until her body would no longer allow her to do so, even then she tried with all her heart to care for those she loved. It was in that hot Chaco sun where she met and married the love of her life, Simon. They shared 43 and a half years of married life together. In 1970 the Toews family moved back to Canada with hopes of finding a better life and future for themselves and their children. Aganetha had a passion for sewing and sewed many, many pieces of clothing for her children and others. She also made multiple patchwork quilts for her family and for missions. Sewing was her passion for most of her life. She also enjoyed gardening and her flower beds were always bursting with flowers for others to enjoy. Aganetha practiced hospitality to everyone that graced her home, and made sure that everyone left with a full stomach. She was the rock of her family, making lunch every Sunday for almost 40 years. Her family was what she lived for and did everything she could for them. The passing of Aganetha will leave a big hole in all of our hearts that only memories will be able to fill. Viewing will be held on Monday, August 8, 2016 at 7:00 p.m., with a devotional at 7:00 p.m., at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Springfield Heights Mennonite Church, 570 Sharron Bay, Winnipeg, MB with interment at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. We would like to thank the Community Palliative Care Team, especially Ann Ediger, who spent countless hours ensuring the comfort of our mother. Another thank you to the Palliative Care Unit at St. Boniface Hospital for their care and compassion during this difficult time. Also all the visitations over the last couple of years and the faithful prayer support from everyone were a great reminder that you never walk this kind of journey alone. We the Family, will miss her dearly. God's Garden God looked around His garden And he found an empty place. He then looked down upon this earth, And saw your tired face. He put His arms around you And lifted you to rest. God's garden must be beautiful He always takes the best. He knew that you were suffering He knew you were in pain He knew that you would never Get well on earth again. He saw that the road was getting rough, And the hills are hard to climb. So He closed your weary eyes, And whispered "Peace be thine" It broke our hearts to lose you, But you didn't go alone. A part of us went with you The day God called you home.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 06, 2016