When Anna was an infant, her family moved from Steinfeld, Russia, first to Germany and then to Brazil, hoping for a better life. In Brazil, she met Heinz and they married in 1952. When Anna was eight months pregnant with their fourth child, the family immigrated to Canada, arriving on Dec. 23, 1960. They lived 15 years in Kitchener, Ont. In 1976, Anna and Heinz moved to Abbotsford, B.C. Anna worked hard all her life – on a dairy farm in Brazil, at a factory in Kitchener, and cooking at a restaurant and Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford. While working outside the home, she was always caring for the needs of her family. Out of a servant heart, she canned, baked, and cooked everyone’s favourite foods, spoiling each in their own way. Anna loved Christmas; no matter their financial situation, she made sure her children’s wishes were fulfilled. She found much joy fishing at Canim Lake, travelling, eating popcorn and pizza, playing dominos, and gardening. Anna’s wealth of knowledge of cooking, canning, and gardening was shared freely with anyone who asked. Anna’s courage and adventurousness led her to learn to drive in her 40s, try cross-country skiing, and join her grandchildren on ATV rides. Anna lived her faith quietly with her Bible constantly in the pile of books she was reading. She showed her gift of hospitality by enjoying having her family and friends over for many meals. Her love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was displayed by spending time with them and making their favourite meals.
