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Laura Heidi Sawatzky

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Facing starvation, Laura’s family took refuge in her aunt’s home in Stillwater, Man. In 1934, they found caring community in the North Kildonan neighbourhood of Winnipeg. Laura graduated from MB Collegiate Institute. After normal school, she was assigned to practice-teach a one-room school in Ninga, Man. Laura taught a missionary school in Kodaikanal, India, with MB Mission, an organization she supported throughout her life. On assignment with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), she taught at the Anglican Teacher’s College in Mandeville, Jamaica, where she started a reading program because the schools had no books. Laura received her BEd at University of Manitoba, became a member of the Manitoba Teacher’s Society, and worked for the Winnipeg School Division in inner-city schools. Laura sponsored children and families through World Vision. At 50, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Her sister Lydia cared for her for 20 years. Laura’s joy, humour, and generosity gained her many friends.

  • Birth: May 11, 1931
  • Birthplace:
    Lucky Lake, Sask.
  • Death: June 18, 2017
  • Parents:
    Cornelius & Aganetha Sawatzky
  • Family:
    sisters Agnus (Bill) Lepp, Lydia Klassen; nieces & nephews
  • Church:
    Kelowna, B.C.
  • Baptism:
    South End MB, Winnipeg, age 14