Lena Braun died Jan. 11, 2011 at 99. She was born June 7, 1911 in Alexandertal, Russia to David and Sarah Pauls. When the Pauls family sang on their verandah, neighbours joined in. Lena loved Sunday school. She became a Christian at 12 with her parents after an evangelistic service. In June 1926, seeking a place to follow God freely, they immigrated to Canada, settling in Arnaud, Man. As a teenager, Lena was baptized into St. Elizabeth (Man.) Mennonite Church. At 14, she left school to help at home. Lena got to know Peter Braun at church and choir practice. They were married Sept. 21, 1933, in St. Elizabeth Mennonite Church. They lived and farmed with Peter’s family. Although their first home was a renovated machine shed, they always had room for guests. In 1944, they moved to Ontario to run a fruit farm. Lena attended Grantham MB Church, St. Catharines, Ont., from its founding in 1973. Lena was gifted in hospitality and organization, often coordinating wedding and funeral meals at church. After the last of the children moved out in 1977, they sold the farm. In 1987, Lena and Peter moved to Tabor Manor, St. Catharines, where Lena continued to show hospitality as long as she was able. When Peter died in December 2007, Lena modelled a beautiful response to loss. Her children remember her as a precious mother, godly example, and powerful prayer warrior. Predeceased by Peter, 1 son-in-law; Lena is mourned by children Laura, Alvin, Theresa, Jacob, Elsie, Peter, Eleanor, Mary and their spouses; 23 grandchildren and their 17 spouses; 56 great-grandchildren and their 7 spouses; 5 great-great-grandchildren.
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