TIENNE (ELIAS) JANZEN

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

TIENNE (ELIAS) JANZEN Tienne Elias Janzen was born in the parental farm home near Winkler on December 5, 1909. She was the fifth child of John M. and Maria (Braun) Elias. She was proud of the fact that she learned to write with her right hand even though she ate, sewed and cut with her left hand. Elementary and high school were completed in Winkler, followed by Normal School in Winnipeg. Her teaching career began in 1929 at a two-room school in Chortitz, where she taught the upper grades. This made her the "principal", but in those days, with the help of the children, she was also the chief janitor and custodian. These five years were of great importance to her. Many students have continued to show their respect. Mom always recognized them and cultivated these special relationships and friendships. In 1934, she married John J. Janzen, also a teacher, and together they devoted their lives to serving in numerous school districts in southern Manitoba. Even though she was not formally teaching in the classroom, her work with the girls in sewing and the women of the community in various ways added greatly to their effectiveness as educators. The Winkler M.B. Church was her spiritual home throughout her life. Reading, writing, reciting, teaching, and public speaking were activities that she enjoyed. Many a wedding has been graced by her recitations, as have numerous anniversaries and gatherings. Her faith was the basis for her poetry writing and her teaching. She was predeceased by her husband, John J. Janzen; daughter-in-law Loretta (Neufeld) Janzen; sisters, Mary and Ann; and leaves to mourn her passing, her brother John Elias and wife Esther; her sons and daughters-in-law, Alan and Esther, John and Ruth, James and Walli; grandchildren, Mark and Shauna Janzen (great-grandchildren, Brad and Trevor), Rachel Meadows and Dann Koller, Michelle Janzen and James Kornelson (great-grandchildren Maya and Solace), Michael Janzen, Mathew Janzen, Andrew and Aimee Janzen, Aaron Janzen and Steffen Janzen; along with numerous other friends and relatives. The Lord saw fit to take her home with little suffering and we rejoice in the knowledge that her faith has found a resting place. "I will sing unto the Lord because he hath dealt bountifully with me." Psalm 13:6. Public viewing will be held today at Wiebe Funeral Home, 121 8th St., Winkler, from 1:00 - 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Monday, August 19 at the Winkler M.B. Church at 2:30 p.m. with Pastor Ted Goossen and Pastor Brad Huebert officiating. Interment will follow at Winkler Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Eden Foundation, Box 129, Winkler, MB R6W 4A4. Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 18, 2002