Maria Toews

Maria Toews (nee Penner), was born in S. Russia on July 24, 1867. She came to America with her parents July 1877, stopping at Peabody, Kansas.
At the age of 20 years she accepted Jesus as her Saviour and upon remission of sins and the confession of her faith she was baptized and united with the Church of God in Christ to which she remained faithful till her death.
She remained with her aged parents till the Lord brought it about that she became my life's helpmete and at the same time mother to my nine children, on April 15, 1900. For the next one and a half years we lived at Greenland, Man. the following 17 years near Hillsboro, Kans., and from there we removed to Canada in 1918 owing to World War conditions, settling on a farm near Ste. Anne, where we resided another twenty years. In 1938 we retired to our present home in Steinbach.
About three ?years? ago mother's health began to fail and on July 29, 1942 she submitted to a major operation in the Steinbach hospital upon the advice of the physician. After the operation she seemed to gain back some of her strength until last Feb. when she again resorted to her bed, where she spent most of her time. Father nursed for her the last nine months with the help of her grandchild the last two days. The last two days at different intervals her pain was intense and rendered her unconscience at times. When asked in regards to her hope she always answered that she was willing to take God's way; ready to step from life to the great beyond. She closed her eyes in death Aug. 3, 1943 at the age of 76 years, nine days.
Our union was of 43 years duration and was blessed with three sons and two daughters. The daughters and two sons preceeded her in death.
One of her great concerns was the welfare of the children and grand-children. She was especially fond of little ones, and often prayed that none might fail to enter the pearly gates in the new Jerusalem.
By her kind disposition she gained many friends and afforded hospitality to many. She also felt her weakness and the need for strength from on high. She was very grateful for visits and kindness shown to her and very kindly thanked everybody for benefits, especially the hospital staff. We, the bereaved, also thank all those that stood by her in her ailment and distress.-John B. Toews and Children.
Funeral services were conducted in Steinbach Aug. 7, 1943. Bro. Jac. T. Wiebe spoke from I Cor. 15:55-57. Bro. J. F. Barkman added in English from Rev. 22:4; Mark 14:8.
Upon special request by telegram from the children in Calif., the hymn "Shall we meet beyond the River" was sung as a closing song in the services.
Interment was made in the nearby cemetery.* Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Jan 14 2022, 22:08:46 UTC