Tribute

Mom’s life was defined by resilience, strength, and unwavering dedication to service. Born on March 3rd, 1926 in Alexanderhof, Russia, to David and Anna Ewert, she was the youngest of three children, with older brothers John and David. When mom was only six months of age, her family immigrated to Canada, initially settling in the Mennonite community of Herbert, Saskatchewan. They later moved to their first homestead in Risor, Ontario, and then to the Readymade district of Coaldale, Alberta, where her younger siblings, Elizabeth and Henry, joined the family. In Coaldale, mom attended Bible school, was baptized, and built a strong foundation of faith. Her path was marked by both joy and hardship, including the loss of her brother John in 1943, in a tragic plane crash in Quebec.

In 1945, the family relocated to Chilliwack, British Columbia, purchasing a dairy farm on Annis Rd, in the shadow of Mt. Cheam. Mom completed high school at MEI, where she met her future husband and our dad, Roland Rempel. After high school, she completed a demanding three-year psychiatric nursing program at Essendale, graduating with honours. On August 26th, 1951, she and dad married, beginning a partnership marked by commitment and faith.

Mom and dad’s journey led them to various communities across British Columbia, beginning in Abbotsford, where they attended the Clearbrook MB Church. In 1952 they welcomed their first daughter Evelyn, and soon relocated to Prince George for temporary, short-term employment. Beverly arrived in 1955 upon their return to the Fraser Valley, and soon dad began working in Vancouver, where Sharon came along in 1956.  Mom and dad finally settled in North Delta, where Julia made the family complete in 1961.

Mom’s sense of duty extended to her church, where she took on roles ranging from decorating and organizing events to cleaning and serving in the kitchen. She and Dad were committed members of the Kennedy Heights MB Church for 25 years, later retiring in Abbotsford, where they eagerly rekindled old friendships, travelled, and settled into the Bakerview MB Church as active members.

Mom and dad loved to sing, and music was a passion they shared. Choir practice was a highlight, and mom joined trios as well, lending her voice to church services and gatherings. She and dad enjoyed many trips to the prairies with the fellowship choir.  Mom found peace and contentment through the music that served as a constant background to daily life in our home. She enthusiastically attended night classes, mastering skills in Chinese cooking, rose care, stretch sewing, and cake decorating. Her homemade perishky, beautifully decorated wedding cakes, and garden blooms were just a few of the ways she spread joy to those around her. She cherished the outdoors and loved planning camping trips.

Dad passed away in 2016 at the age of 90, and the following year saw mom moving from the last home they shared to her new community of Tabor Court. Her life has been a beautiful tapestry, woven with threads of faith, family, and a deep commitment to serving others. She faced life’s challenges with remarkable resolve, and her legacy of perseverance, hard work and unwavering devotion endures. She will be profoundly missed!

Mom is survived by her four daughters and their families:
*Evelyn (Gerry) Dewar, with daughters Andrea and Jacqueline.
*Beverly (Gary) Lewis, with children Aaron (Tarah) and their children Kayla and Ryan;  Jeremy;  Natalie (Dan) and their children Gavin and Bentley, and Travis (Jennifer).
*Sharon (Rick) Bell, with children Ruth (Anthony) and their children Levi and Emma;  Melissa (Shane) and their children Owen and Kade, and Matthew.
*Julia (Kevin) Brotherston, with children James (Shawna) and their children Aro and Nova, and Chelsea (Tyler) and their children Maisy, Leighton and Jack.

Our family would like to express sincere gratitude to all who have offered their support and kindness to us during this time.

Psalm 73:26: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”