Elisabeth Dueck died Dec. 30, 2010. She was born June 10, 1928 in Russia to Johann and Anna (Klassen) Goerzen. In December 1930, the village decided to leave Russia, fleeing on sled across the Amur River at night in -40. Elisabeth’s family made it into China where her mother worked to support them. In 1932, MCC helped them immigrate to Paraguay. They worked hard in Chaco, Paraguay, to survive, enduring drought and locusts. Elisabeth’s mother died when a kerosene lantern exploded. In 1934, her father married Liese Warkentin, a widow with 2 children. In 1937, the family started over in East Paraguay. Elisabeth found joy in school, and was saddened to leave after Grade 6 to help in the garden. In 1950, she graduated from nurse’s training and spent the next 30 years nursing. She loved her work, which took her to Germany, Canada, and back to Paraguay. Elisabeth married widower Henry Dueck May 26, 1979. She remembered fondly the first time his grandchildren greeted her as “Oma.” She enjoyed travelling, camping, knitting, cooking, and walking. She even learned to enjoy fishing because it was Henry’s love language. She enjoyed Bible studies, church, choir, and special music. Elisabeth was a storyteller who loved to laugh. The memorial was at King Road MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
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