Erna Klassen died Sept. 14, 2008. She was born June 13, 1914 in Millerowa, Russia to Jacob and Katharina Claassen. The family immigrated to Mexico in 1925. Soon after, when Canada re-opened its doors to Russian immigrants, the family joined relatives who had settled in Winnipeg. Erna worked outside the home, sewing, cooking, cleaning and nannying to assist with the family income. In 1942, she married Jack (J.D.) Klassen. They moved to Chilliwack, B.C. where they ran a raspberry patch, corner store, dairy farm, and motel business together. In retirement, they moved to Clearbrook, B.C. Erna was a “behind the scenes” lady, volunteering hours at MCC, in the store and at home, sewing, knitting, and crochetting baby blankets and more. She never ceased to pray for each family member by name. Erna is mourned by children Rick (Marylin), Dorothy (Rich) Cummings, Sue (Len) Epp, Betti (Ernie) Krahn; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 1 sister. The memorial was Sept. 18 at Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
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