ELSA KLASSEN

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ELSA KLASSEN Peacefully at the Grace Hospice on Wednesday, February 11, 2004 she passed away at the age of 88 years. She was predeceased by her parents, Gerhard and Helene Claassen; five of her siblings; her son Wolodja; her first husband Nicolaus Schelich; and her second husband Jacob Klassen. She will be lovingly remembered by her sister Alice Classen and family in Germany; her cousin Arthur (Elfriede) Claassen in the United States; and her friend Rosemarie Krahn. She was born October 21, 1915 in Alexander, Russia. Her parents were Mennonite Wolga-Germans. The communist regime banished the family to Siberia in 1930. Here she married her first husband and lost her only child, Wolodja due to starvation. Elsa was baptised in Germany in 1945 and immigrated to Canada in 1949. She married Jacob Klassen in 1950. They had no children. She cared for Jacob during his four-year illness until he died in 1991. Elsa suffered a severe stroke and moved into ArlingtonHaus in 1992. Here in ArlingtonHaus, she came under the care of the Assisted Living Program. Rosemarie Krahn became her friend and looked after her until her death. She is extending her deepest appreciation to the staff at ArlingtonHaus, especially Helen Cloutier, Edith (Edie) Brennan, Bonnie Solomon (Home Care) and Dr. Carry Martens-Barnes for their love and caring attention in these last years. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 13 at 1:00 p.m. at the First Mennonite Church, 922 Notre Dame Ave. Reverend Franz Wiebe officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Mennonite Church. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 13, 2004