Lena Schellenberg (nee Rempel)

Obituary

On Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Steinbach MB, Lena Schellenberg peacefully passed away into the loving arms of her heavenly Father.

She was predeceased by her husband Levi in December 2000.

Cherishing her memory are her five sons and one daughter: Brian (Elvira), Rudy (Henriette), Roger (Patricia), Stanley (Tracy), Lester (Laurie) and Alice (Donn); grandchildren Trevor (Lindsay), Kevin (Alanne), Steven, Miriam (Brian), Christina, Dana (Graham), Ross (April), Daniel, Joshua, Samuel and Ridley; great-grandchildren Mica, Cale, Egan, Levi, Gabe, Orin, Reuben, Oliver, Annika, Owen, Emma, Layla and Ethan; siblings Anne, John (Monica) and Frieda (George) as well as brothers-and-sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces and many friends.

Lena was born on March 28, 1922 in Hochstadt MB to Otto and Julianna Rempel. On Christmas Day, 1943, she and the love of her life, Levi, were engaged to be married. Their wedding took place on June 11, 1944 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Friedensfeld MB; this was the beginning of 56 wonderful years together. Throughout their lives they were faithful members of the Kleefeld EMC and strong contributors to the community at large.

Sewing, knitting, gardening and playing table games with family and friends were Lena’s great pleasures. She served as president of the Kleefeld EMC Sewing Circle for more than 25 years, sewed and mended many clothes for her family, and, together with Dad, they operated three fabric stores (Sew and Save), in Kleefeld, Steinbach and Niverville. Many of her beautifully knitted scarves found their way via Steinbach Community Outreach or Union Gospel Mission to people in need. The corn from her garden, even this past summer, was delicious. And, if laughter filled the room, you knew that Mom was having a great time playing Rummikub, Skip-Bo or Crokinole.

Mom’s kind and gentle spirit as well as her unconditional love warmly embraced every family member, friend and stranger. Mom and Dad’s gift of hospitality was generously shared with newcomers to Kleefeld, as well as with European youth who lived in our home through MCC’s InterMenno Program. Numerous international students (Myanmar, Hong Kong, Kenya, Japan) from Providence College & Seminary considered them their Canadian parents. We thank God for giving us such Christ-like examples to follow.

The family wishes to express sincere thanks Dr. Wilfried Kaethler, the wonderful staff at Cedarwood Supportive Housing and the exceptional care of the second-floor staff at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 11, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Kleefeld Evangelical Mennonite Church, Kleefeld, MB, with viewing at the church one hour prior to the service. The burial will follow in the church cemetery.

If friends so desire, donations in memory of Lena may be made to MCC (in memo line Comforters & blankets), 134 Plaza Dr., Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9.