Clara Mary Klassen died Dec. 30, 3009 in an auto accident. She was born Feb. 3, 1918 in Aberdeen, Sask., to Henry and Agnes Niessen. Having received Christ as Saviour, she was baptized at 13 and became a member of the MB church. She studied piano, and played for choirs in Aberdeen, at Bethany Bible School, and in Saskatoon. On Nov. 26, 1939, Clara married Cornelius H. Klassen. In 1951, they bought a home in Clearbrook, B.C., but continued to farm in Saskatchewan while building and selling properties in Clearbrook. In 1958, they sold the farm and built the Valley Motel. Cornelius became ill, so in 1968, they sold the motel and moved to Abbotsford where they lived for 24 years. Clara worked as a nurse’s aid for 12 years, took care of her mother and aunt in their last years, did Swedish massage for 10 years, and wrote 3 family histories. Her life held challenges but also opportunities to give comfort, better health, and joy to others. In 1995, she was recognized for nearly two decades of accompanying choirs at Clearbrook MB Church. Cornelius’s health worsened in 1993 and he died in 1997. Clara continued to be active but her health was less robust. Her family was important and she left them her legacy of 1 Corinthians 13:1-7. Predeceased by Cornelius, son Trevor, 7 siblings; Clara is mourned by children Gerald (Doreen), Diane (Robert) Bos, Kenneth (Heidi); 10 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 1 brother.
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