Sarah Leona Warkentin
January 29, 1920 – October 20, 2019
Sarah Warkentin (nee Doerksen) was born in Rosenthal Ukraine, but grew up with her parents Jacob and Agatha, and her nine brothers and sisters in Herbert Saskatchewan. She married George Henry Raffle (deceased) on December 17, 1948, and had one daughter Darlene.
Sarah followed closely in her mother’s footsteps: she had a strong faith; she prayed daily for whatever trials and tribulations of others she was aware of; she continually gave of herself, opening her home to all her family, friends, neighbours – at Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day – any reason for a warm welcome and a joyful celebration.
She was a strong leader, a ‘Big V Volunteer’, a bright and shining light in her community, and a compassionate support for many friends and family members. All her life she was constantly learning and sharing her gifts and talents. She joined Toastmasters and became a proficient speaker and presenter; she became President of BC Telephone Pioneers; she was the Canadian coordinator for Rick Hansen’s ‘Man in Motion’ World Tour; she was instrumental in the raising of hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Cancer Clinic and for Operation Eyesight; she organized fashion shows, bake sales, Luaus, and lottery ticket sales. During her working years she sang in the BC Telephone choir, her church choir, and ran 3-4k/day – in her spare time as a single parent! When she retired, she obtained her Fitness Instructor Certificate and taught aerobics to seniors younger than herself.
At the age of 67, on October 10, 1987, Sarah married her childhood sweetheart Aaron Warkentin. She had spent many lonely years in her life, raising her daughter on her own, and remaining alone after her daughter married and had her own family. She and Aaron travelled broadly, and divided their time between their homes in Abbotsford and Fresno California, and between his sons Don and Bob, and her daughter Darlene. The twelve years they had together before Aaron’s untimely passing were some of the happiest of her life.
Throughout herlife Sarah led a purposeful life. Her purpose was to be the best she could be and to lead by example. Her joie de vivre, her giving and compassionate nature, and her fierce love for her family will be greatly missed by her daughter Darlene, son-in-law Paul, grandsons Christopher (Dolly) and Reid (Rachel), great grandson Henrik (Christopher and Dolly), and by all who have known and been touched by her love.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Sarah Leona Warkentin October 20 2019..
Death notice for the town of: Maple Ridge, Province: Colombie britanique