Annabelle was kind, compassionate, generous, humble, serene, loving, and fun. She was always dressed fashionably – everything matching and hair just right – like royalty, yet she wasn’t about status or titles. She loved playing the supporting role and did so effortlessly. She was the teacher’s aide, the volunteer at the local thrift store and, above all, Menno’s selfless support throughout his academic career and volunteer activities. Annabelle was always ready for that next trip to the farm, holiday excursion, or trip to Winnipeg to visit her kids. Courageous and adaptable, when Menno died, Annabelle left friends in Swift Current and moved to Winnipeg, near her children. She ventured in her car on her charted routes to see family, attend church, run errands, or have coffee. Her stated goal was to be a blessing to her family. Her children and grandchildren loved taking her for coffee. She never said no to time out with family or to picking up the tab. She never missed an anniversary or birthday card, which she generously stuffed with a crisp new bill. Annabelle laughed easily, loved life, and faithfully recorded even the mundane events of the day. She followed Jesus early in life and finished well as his good and faithful friend. She received great care at River Ridge and Seven Oaks Hospital. Her sister Alvina was her bedside angel. Annabelle’s benediction was the hymn she softly sang: “All the way my Saviour leads me; what have I to ask beside?”
