ANNE DUECK

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ANNE DUECK November 29, 1912 - October 30, 2003 On Thursday, October 30, 2003, at Donwood Manor, Anne Dueck, aged 90 years, 11 months, completed her earthly journey and went to be with her Lord. She was born in the village of Kistendej, Arkadak colony, Central Russia, the first girl after four boys, and brought much joy to her parents, Heinrich and Maria Dueck. At age nine her mother died, leaving Dad with a family of four boys and three girls, Anne being the oldest daughter. This placed great responsibility on her shoulders, however, Dad remarried shortly and brought a new mother to the home. In 1926, as a teenager, Anne and her family immigrated to Canada and settled on a farm in the Manitou area. She recalls attending school as a tall 14 year old, sitting with the Grade 1 class attempting to read English - how embarrassing! School in that environment was not enjoyable, yet reading, studying and academic pursuits remained high in her priorities into her old age. Annes faith journey began in 1927 with her "conversion experience" during a series of evangelistic meetings, and the following year she was baptized and joined the Manitou Mennonite Brethren church. She spent several winters at Winkler Bible School, and taught Daily Vacation Bible School during the summers. In 1947 she was among the first students in the newly established Mennonite Brethren Bible College, and she is listed in the Graduates of 1951. While in attendance at Mennonite Brethren Bible College, a call came to join the Canada Inland Mission for an assignment at Winnipegosis. With the assurance that God would accompany her, she accepted. She returned to complete her Mennonite Brethren Bible College studies after a year of ministry with Canada Inland Mission. Her next assignment was in British Columbia with the West Coast Childrens Mission. In 1957, she went to Vancouver to complete her high school and teacher training in a "crash course", and then began a 12 year teaching career. In 1970, she left teaching and spent ten rewarding years working for the Childrens Aid Society of Winnipeg. Also in 1970 she began a 32 year volunteer career with Child Evangelism Fellowship (Manitoba), especially concentrating her efforts in the Mailbox Club. In her retirement, she spent many hours tutoring foreign students in English and ministering to them in a variety of ways, including helping them find a suitable evangelical church. Annes extended family was always precious to her. A Biblical Studies Bursary program was begun in 1988 for her great-nieces and nephews and to date 38 young scholars have benefited from her generosity. She herself lived a very frugal lifestyle and anything in excess of meeting daily needs was given away to someone in greater need. In 1989, she moved into an apartment at Donwood South and felt she was being treated like royalty. She made many friends here and led a very active social life. She was forever calling nieces and nephews asking them to help her plan a family party. In 1998 with much encouragement, she moved to Donwood Manor EPH and adjusted very quickly to yet another environment, continuing with her busy social life and a new set of friends. Here she enjoyed the meal program as cooking had never been one of her strong suits. When the time came to move to the Donwood Manor Personal Care Home in 2000, she again accepted the move with much grace, and quickly "endeared" herself to the staff and residents. When asked by the Chaplain to tell about the best time of her life she quickly responded, "Right now of course!". She is survived by sisters, Mary Martens and Katie Peters; and brother John (Lois) Dyck; sisters-in-law, Sara Dueck and Katie Dueck; brother-in-law Aron Peters. She was predeceased by brothers, Henry, Bernard, Peter and Abram; sister Elizabeth Peters; and in-laws, Helen, Anne, Jacob Martens and Nick Peters. She also leaves to remember her, 40 nieces, nephews and their families. We wish to express our heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Donwood Manor for their care and compassion shown to our sister, aunt, great aunt, and great great aunt. Thank you to all who have visited her and shown her love in a variety of ways, especially friends from Donwood, the Elmwood Mennonite Brethren church, and her extended family. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Donwood Manor Personal Care Home or Child Evangelism Fellowship, (Manitoba). Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 4 at 11:00 a.m. at the Elmwood Mennonite Brethren church, 145 Henderson Hwy, with viewing prior to the service. Rev. Keith Poysti will be officiating. Interment will be held at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. KLASSEN Funeral Chapel 1897 Henderson-North of McIvor-338-0331

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 02, 2003