Anna Matthies died Aug. 21, 2011. She was born Aug. 26, 1932 in Fernheim, Paraguay to Abram and Anna Pankratz. Anna accepted Jesus as Saviour at 10 and was baptized at 14 into Friesland MB Church. At 17, she lost both parents. Anna married Kornelius Hildebrandt May 5, 1952. He died 3 years later. Anna served as cook at the leprosy station Km 81 in Paraguay. Anna married Jacob Regehr in Friesland Nov. 15, 1958. The family immigrated to Vancouver in 1976 and joined Vancouver MB Church. After retirement, Anna and Jacob moved to Abbotsford, B.C. Jacob died Oct. 21, 2000. Shortly after Anna married Aron Matthies in May 2001, she was confined to a wheelchair due to complications following back surgery. She entered Tabor Home, and Aug. 14, 2011, suffered a heart attack. Anna had a heart for hospitality, serving the local MCC store, baking zwieback, and doing handiwork to give away. She had a contagious laugh, and was quick to forgive and see the good in people. Anna was a member of Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford. Predeceased by Kornelius, Jacob, two sisters; Anna is mourned by Aron; children Anni, Dorothea, Hedwig, Alice, Frank, Elfrieda, and their spouses; 16 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 4 siblings.
