Annie Bartsch died Oct. 21, 2010 at 96. She was born Dec. 26, 1913 in Beck-Bulatschi, Ukraine to Jakob and Justina Fehderau. She lost a sister, but in many ways, her childhood was happy. Following the German army’s advance into Russia, Annie’s family filled an oxcart with their belongings and left their farm behind. Annie worked in a sewing factory making men’s clothes and later was drafted to dig trenches. After her parents were taken to a concentration camp, she fled to Germany, where she worked as a housekeeper. There, following the war, she reunited with her brother Peter. Annie immigrated to Vineland, Ont., in 1949. She worked at Bethesda Health Care Home until 1953. From 1953−1960, Annie lived in Kitchener, Ont., and worked at Kitchener-Waterloo Hospital as a nurse’s aid. In 1959, she began a correspondence relationship with Abram Bartsch. Annie and Abe were married in Kitchener MB Church Mar. 15, 1960. They moved to Parlier, Cal., to run a vineyard for 16 years. Annie found friends in Reedley (Cal.) MB Church. When Abe suffered several strokes, they retired in Reedley, and Annie cared for Abe’s needs until he died. She returned to Canada and became active in Kitchener MB Church. She enjoyed travelling. She and Peter were reunited with their brother Jacob after 50 years. Annie moved to Fairview Mennonite Home, Cambridge, Ont. Following a heart attack in 2006, she moved to Heritage House, St. Jacob’s, Ont. Annie’s motto was: “The Lord makes no mistakes. He deserves honour, praise, and thanks.” Annie is predeceased by Abram, 6 siblings.
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