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Agnes Spenst

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Spenst,-AgnesAgnes’ family immigrated to Canada aboard the Minnedosa, arriving in Quebec in 1925. A train took them to Zeneta, Sask. After 3 crop failures, they responded to the Mennonitische Rundschau’s invitation to settle in Yarrow, B.C. Agnes left school to work on the farm. She had no opportunity to study nursing, but at 30 she was hired as a practical nurse at Vancouver General Hospital. She worked at Bethesda Mennonite Home, Vineland, Ont., and Chilliwack (B.C.) Hospital. In 1963, she met and married widower Henry. They travelled to South Africa to help missionary Elsie Peters. In Yarrow, Henry and Agnes had up to 7 foster children at one time. Susie and Vera lived with them for 10 years and the family accepted them as relatives. Henry and Agnes served a year at MB Bible College, Winnipeg, as kitchen help and handyman. While in Winnipeg, Henry had a stroke that put him in a wheelchair. They moved to a condo in Abbotsford in 1988, where Agnes cared for him. After Henry’s death, Agnes lived on her own, sang in the choir and was active with Evangelism Encouragers. She boldly witnessed about her faith at every opportunity. Her love for God and people was evident. She entered Menno Home, and in 2011, Menno Hospital, Abbotsford, B.C.

  • Birth: July 11, 1919
  • Birthplace:
    Pleschanovo, Neu Samara, Russia
  • Death: July 3, 2015
  • Parents:
    Henry & Anna Isaak
  • Married:
    Henry Spenst, July 13, 1963 [d. June 6, 1992]
  • Family:
    stepchildren; foster children; 2 siblings
  • Church:
    Clearbrook MB, Abbotsford, B.C.