Obituary for Irma Gladys Harder
IRMA HARDER
We are deeply saddened by the death of Irma Gladys (Epp) Harder, whose earthly pilgrimage came to a peaceful end in the early hours of October 25th just nine days short of her 92nd birthday. She leaves to mourn her husband Helmut, her sons Bryan (Cheryl Pauls) and Randall (Libid Zyla), and her four grandchildren Jonathan, Nicholas, William, and Kathryn. Irma was preceded in death by her daughter Marilee.
Born in the village of Silberfeld, SK, Irma attended Waldheim High School and Briercrest Bible College before moving to southern Ontario. There she took great joy in teaching elementary school from 1952-59 and met her husband Helmut. They married in 1957 and soon after went off to Goshen, Indiana for further studies. In 1962 the Harders moved to Winnipeg and established a full life of family, friends, church, music, education, and community. With a keen artistic eye and gracious spirit, Irma took delight in spreading a lovely table for many guests over the years.
Winnipeg was a wonderful place for Irma’s musical gifts to thrive. After completing an ARCT degree in vocal performance she pursued a fulfilling career as a singer and as a voice and piano teacher. She sang with the Manitoba Opera chorus for many seasons and as soprano soloist at First Presbyterian Church. She regularly sang and led congregational singing at her home church, Charleswood Mennonite, and in many retirement homes.
Irma and Helmut traveled extensively to such faraway places as Russia, China, Paraguay, and throughout Europe, often sharing in music as they made new friends. Special highlights for Irma included spending a year in Taiwan and meeting the Pope while visiting the Vatican.
The last few years were difficult for Irma as she struggled with memory loss, yet she faced her challenges with joy, gratitude, song, and strong Christian faith. She never forgot the words, chords, and melodies of her favourite hymns and would spend hours, even until recently, playing and singing her way through the hymnbook from cover to cover. Indeed, Irma sang her way through life, and through music and hospitality she brought joy to all who knew her.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Charleswood Mennonite Church (699 Haney St) on Thursday, November 3, at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing starting at 10 a.m. Service will be livestreamed at https://youtu.be/lSpxkJZSz1c
Light lunch to follow. Interment in the Arnaud Mennonite Church Cemetery.
Donations in memory of Irma can be made to Canadian Mennonite University.
We are deeply saddened by the death of Irma Gladys (Epp) Harder, whose earthly pilgrimage came to a peaceful end in the early hours of October 25th just nine days short of her 92nd birthday. She leaves to mourn her husband Helmut, her sons Bryan (Cheryl Pauls) and Randall (Libid Zyla), and her four grandchildren Jonathan, Nicholas, William, and Kathryn. Irma was preceded in death by her daughter Marilee.
Born in the village of Silberfeld, SK, Irma attended Waldheim High School and Briercrest Bible College before moving to southern Ontario. There she took great joy in teaching elementary school from 1952-59 and met her husband Helmut. They married in 1957 and soon after went off to Goshen, Indiana for further studies. In 1962 the Harders moved to Winnipeg and established a full life of family, friends, church, music, education, and community. With a keen artistic eye and gracious spirit, Irma took delight in spreading a lovely table for many guests over the years.
Winnipeg was a wonderful place for Irma’s musical gifts to thrive. After completing an ARCT degree in vocal performance she pursued a fulfilling career as a singer and as a voice and piano teacher. She sang with the Manitoba Opera chorus for many seasons and as soprano soloist at First Presbyterian Church. She regularly sang and led congregational singing at her home church, Charleswood Mennonite, and in many retirement homes.
Irma and Helmut traveled extensively to such faraway places as Russia, China, Paraguay, and throughout Europe, often sharing in music as they made new friends. Special highlights for Irma included spending a year in Taiwan and meeting the Pope while visiting the Vatican.
The last few years were difficult for Irma as she struggled with memory loss, yet she faced her challenges with joy, gratitude, song, and strong Christian faith. She never forgot the words, chords, and melodies of her favourite hymns and would spend hours, even until recently, playing and singing her way through the hymnbook from cover to cover. Indeed, Irma sang her way through life, and through music and hospitality she brought joy to all who knew her.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Charleswood Mennonite Church (699 Haney St) on Thursday, November 3, at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing starting at 10 a.m. Service will be livestreamed at https://youtu.be/lSpxkJZSz1c
Light lunch to follow. Interment in the Arnaud Mennonite Church Cemetery.
Donations in memory of Irma can be made to Canadian Mennonite University.