Erna Toews (nee Janz)
August 08, 1945 – April 07, 2019
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With great sadness we announce the unexpected passing of our wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother. With her family by her side. Erna Toews, 73, passed away peacefully at the St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg, MB, and went to be with her Lord and Saviour on Sunday, April 7, 2019.
Left to cherish her memory is her husband Henry; children: Arlene (Bruce) Derksen; Belva Rode (Terry Alty); Jason (Erica) Toews; grandchildren: Krista Voth, Vanessa (Donovan) Kehler, Jessica (Steve) Mezzo, Rebecca (Ernie) Wiebe, Christian Rode, Colten Toews, Kaylee Toews, Keanna Toews; great-grandchildren: Dallas Voth, Tyler Voth, Hunter Voth, McKayla Mezzo, Milliee Kehler, Anna Kehler, Hudson Wiebe and Zylie Wiebe; sister Elsie (Henry) Wolfe; brothers Ernie Janz and Edwin (Bonnie) Janz; sisters-in-law: Anne Harder and Margaret Toews; brothers-in-law: Pete (Anne) Toews, Johnny (Hildegard) Toews, James (Sandi) Toews; and many more family and friends.
Erna was predeceased by her father Aron Janz; mother Agatha Janz (Wiens); father-in-law Henry Toews; mother-in-law Maria Toews; brother-in-law Peter Harder; niece Kathryn Toews; and great nephew Cole Friesen.
Erna was born in Barkfield, Manitoba and lived most of her life in either Grunthal or Steinbach with a few years in Morden, Manitoba. Erna grew up on the family dairy farm near Grunthal. She married Henry on September 20, 1964, and they made their first home in Grunthal where they welcomed both daughters Arlene Joy and Belva June. The small family moved to Steinbach in 1969, where they completed their family by welcoming their son Jason Lee. Erna passionately loved her family and was proud of every one of her children. Her happiest moments were when family was together.
As a little girl Erna spent a lot of time with her Grandma Janz who planted the seed from which grew the love and passion for God in her life. It was also this grandma and her father that instilled a relentless work ethic that did not diminish until she took her last breath. This work ethic drove Erna to become a nurse at 43 years of age. Her nursing career led her to the hospitals in St. Pierre, Steinbach and St. Anne, along with several years as a director of a group home for the mentally challenged. When her professional career of taking care of patients ended, she spent the last 11 years taking care of her husband Henry at home who had been disabled by a severe stroke. All her work was completed with sheer determination as Erna suffered with numerous serious health issues from a very young age until her passing.
“We don’t give up. Our bodies are becoming weaker and weaker. But our spirits are being renewed day by day. Our troubles are small. They last only for a short time. But they are earning for us a glory that will last forever. It is greater than all our troubles.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-17
With much gratitude, the family thanks Erna’s medical team, including the nurses and health care aids at the St. Boniface Hospital. Their deep compassion and heart felt care of our mother and the family surrounding her in her last couple of days will never be forgotten.
The funeral service for Erna will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at 2:00 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB with an ash interment at a later date.
Flowers are gratefully declined.
Donations in memory of Erna may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba 200 – 6 Donald Street; Wpg., MB R3L 0K6.
SERVICES
Funeral Service
Saturday, April 13, 2019
2:00 PM
Birchwood Funeral Chapel
162 Hwy 52 W,
Steinbach, Manitoba R5G 1Y1
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB, with cremation to follow.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Erna Toews nee Janz August 08 1945 April 07 2019..
Death notice for the town of: Steinbach, Province: Manitoba