Katy Marie Unrau

July 29, 1959 – December 26, 2002

Katy Marie Unrau (nee Dyck) was born on July 29, 1959 to John J. and Helen Dyck of Greenfarm, the fourth of six children. Katy was baptized in May 1977 by Rev. Peter Penner in the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church.

On August 14, 1977 Katy married Jake Unrau. In their 25 years of marriage, they were blessed with three children: Amanda in 1978, Eric in 1982, and Karlton in 1988. Katy remained at home during the years her children were young, and provided childcare for other children as well. Once the children were all in school, she became an educational assistant at J.R. Walkof Elementary School. She worked there for eight years until her diagnosis with cancer in February 2002.

The year 2002 proved to be difficult and challenging for Katy and her family. In February, she was diagnosed with colon cancer that had already spread to the liver and the lungs. After recovering from colon surgery, she underwent chemotherapy treatments for the next 8-1/2months to control the liver tumors. At first she responded well to the chemotherapy and in August was able to celebrate 25 years of marriage with Jake. This truly was a happy occasion spent with family and friends. However, in September a CT scan showed that the tumors were growing again. A new chemotherapy treatment program was unable to shrink the tumors and another scan in December proved that indeed the cancer could not be controlled. Katy accepted this news with peace. She opened her heart to God’s plan and prepared herself to face the outcome.

On December 24, Katy was admitted into the Boundary Trails Health Centre. Her condition continued to deteriorate and her body grew weaker until on December 26 at 8:30 a.m., surrounded by her family, God freed her from her burdens and lifted her up to her new home in heaven.

Katy has touched many lives during this past year. Her determination, inner strength, and her trust in God has truly been an inspiration to those around her. Family, friends, and acquaintances have prayed fervently for Katy and her family for the past 11 months. Although we all asked for a miracle, Katy said recently that perhaps the miracle would not be meant for her but rather for the broken relationships and worn spirits of those around her. She dedicated herself in prayer to these individuals, asking God to grant them healing and peace.

Katy Unrau is predeceased by her father John. J. Dyck in November 2002 and brother David in infancy. She is survived by her husband Jake, daughter Amanda and Richard Heide, sons Eric and Karlton, her mother Helen Dyck, three brothers, one sister and their families.

Funeral service was held on Sunday, December 29, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. at the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church with Pastor Arnie Neufeld an Pastor Bill Enns officiating. Interment followed at Winkler Cemetery.

Wiebe Funeral Home in care of arrangements.