Obituary for Erna Janzen (Friesen)
Erna Janzen
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Erna Janzen wife and faithful partner of Peter Janzen. Erna passed away on March 21, 2022 at Donwood Manor; she was 82.
Erna was predeceased by her parents and four of her sisters. Erna will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband: Peter Janzen; children: Sylvia (Brian) and Harvey (Kerri); and grandchildren: Savannah, Alexandra, Christopher, Ian, and Brianna.
Erna was born on November 11, 1939 in Alexanderwohl, Ukraine; she was the youngest of eight girls. Erna lost her father when she only eighteen months old (shortly after WW II began). During the war, Erna and her family had to flee the Ukraine and make their way to Germany. From Germany, the family moved to Chaco, Paraguay in March of 1948. While the initial transition to life in Paraguay was challenging for Erna and her family, Erna spent a lot of time riding horses and this was something that she truly enjoyed. In 1955 Erna’s family immigrated to Canada (Winnipeg).
For the first six months of her time in Canada, Erna went to school to learn English and then joined the workforce. Erna met the love of her life, Peter Janzen, at the North Kildonan MB church youth group and they were married on June 10, 1961. Erna and Peter were blessed with two children: Sylvia and Harvey.
Erna was a talented and driven woman who did so much. Some of Erna’s many hobbies included: learning to play the accordion and piano, sewing, making blankets for MCC, quilting, embroidery, baking, and working part-time at Dallairds. One of Erna’s proudest accomplishments was studying hard and acquiring a high school diploma while raising her two children.
After Peter’s retirement, Erna and Peter enjoyed travelling to many places some of which included the Ukraine, Germany, Israel, several cruises, and travelling throughout North America in their leisure van. The trip to Israel was a highlight for Erna as she was able to visit the place where Jesus was born.
Erna spent the last three years of her life at Donwood Personal Care Home where she was well cared for and loved by the staff. During Erna’s time in Donwood Manor, Peter was able to show his devotion and love for her with his gentle and daily tending of her needs ~ something he truly cherished.
Despite all of Erna’s struggles and challenges, her faith never wavered. Erna will be missed but we find comfort in the fact that Erna is now whole and at peace in Christ’s presence.
The service will be livestreamed, and available at :
https://youtu.be/2vvgTg44_iI
Donations in Erna’s memory can be made to:
Donwood Manor Personal Care Home
https://donwoodmanor.org/donate-now
Mennonite Central Committee Ukraine Emergency Response
https://donate.mcccanada.ca/cause/ukraine-emergency-response
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Erna Janzen wife and faithful partner of Peter Janzen. Erna passed away on March 21, 2022 at Donwood Manor; she was 82.
Erna was predeceased by her parents and four of her sisters. Erna will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband: Peter Janzen; children: Sylvia (Brian) and Harvey (Kerri); and grandchildren: Savannah, Alexandra, Christopher, Ian, and Brianna.
Erna was born on November 11, 1939 in Alexanderwohl, Ukraine; she was the youngest of eight girls. Erna lost her father when she only eighteen months old (shortly after WW II began). During the war, Erna and her family had to flee the Ukraine and make their way to Germany. From Germany, the family moved to Chaco, Paraguay in March of 1948. While the initial transition to life in Paraguay was challenging for Erna and her family, Erna spent a lot of time riding horses and this was something that she truly enjoyed. In 1955 Erna’s family immigrated to Canada (Winnipeg).
For the first six months of her time in Canada, Erna went to school to learn English and then joined the workforce. Erna met the love of her life, Peter Janzen, at the North Kildonan MB church youth group and they were married on June 10, 1961. Erna and Peter were blessed with two children: Sylvia and Harvey.
Erna was a talented and driven woman who did so much. Some of Erna’s many hobbies included: learning to play the accordion and piano, sewing, making blankets for MCC, quilting, embroidery, baking, and working part-time at Dallairds. One of Erna’s proudest accomplishments was studying hard and acquiring a high school diploma while raising her two children.
After Peter’s retirement, Erna and Peter enjoyed travelling to many places some of which included the Ukraine, Germany, Israel, several cruises, and travelling throughout North America in their leisure van. The trip to Israel was a highlight for Erna as she was able to visit the place where Jesus was born.
Erna spent the last three years of her life at Donwood Personal Care Home where she was well cared for and loved by the staff. During Erna’s time in Donwood Manor, Peter was able to show his devotion and love for her with his gentle and daily tending of her needs ~ something he truly cherished.
Despite all of Erna’s struggles and challenges, her faith never wavered. Erna will be missed but we find comfort in the fact that Erna is now whole and at peace in Christ’s presence.
The service will be livestreamed, and available at :
https://youtu.be/2vvgTg44_iI
Donations in Erna’s memory can be made to:
Donwood Manor Personal Care Home
https://donwoodmanor.org/donate-now
Mennonite Central Committee Ukraine Emergency Response
https://donate.mcccanada.ca/cause/ukraine-emergency-response