Mom was born on October 10, 1922 in Ozerce, Poland. This was in the Province of Wolhynia. She is one of ten children. Being the oldest girl, she took care of her siblings early in life. Her mother passed away when the youngest child was only four years old. She was left to look after the family. The second world war came when she was just a young woman. She fell in love with a young man and married him in 1944. The war took her young husband (Wilhelm) back to the German army shortly after they were married. He was captured by the Russians and put in prison camp. Mom did not know where he was, but was ordered out of their village with only 24 hours notice. With her father and younger siblings, she left with what they could carry. Mom was pregnant, and while on the run her daughter Anne was born. Determined to find her husband she left her family in Czech Republic and continued on with her mother-in-law. They were headed for Germany as Dad's family were German citizens. Through many dangers, hunger, and difficulties, they finally got to Germany. By God's grace and miraculous intervention, they were reunited for the first time in 3 years. It was the first time he saw his daughter who by now was two years old. After spending time in an immigration camp in Germany; Dad began working as a blacksmith. After five years they immigrated to Canada and settled in Trochu Alberta. Mom and Dad raised three children and she always worked at whatever came along. She worked in a nursing home as a cook, built houses with Dad, worked as a waitress, and always willing to help in the church and neighborhood. Mom enjoyed teaching Sunday School, doing Whitecross work, and being involved with Women's Ministries. She enjoyed gardening, crafts, sewing, handwork of any kind, and housekeeping in general. Lots of neighbours, but particularly her children and grandchildren, loved her kuchen. Visitors were welcome any time, and there were plenty. As a young adult she chose to commit her life to her Lord and Savior. It was her strong faith and God's leading, that protected her during those hard war years. They moved to Kelowna, B.C. in 1966 and remained there until they moved to Swan River in 1996, due to Mom's failing health. She was diagnosed with macular degeneration and Alzheimer's. This together with the loss of her husband of 61 years was the most difficult of all. She was predeceased by her husband in 2005, also three brothers and two sisters. She leaves to mourn and celebrate her life, her daughter Anne [Don Goltz]; sons Harry and Rod; two grandchildren, Taunya [Brian] Wirzba and Tim [Angela] Goltz. Three great grandchildren, Isaac, Mira, and Noa Wirzba. Also mourning is her brother Joe in BC, and three siblings, Vera, Lydia, and Karl in the Czech Republic. Her smile, sense of humor and faith, has sustained her throughout her life.
We love you Mom, you have bravely fought the fight, now rest in peace.
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