Linda Banman

1921 - 2008 

Angels escorted Linda Banman into the glorious presence of God on April 9, 2008.  She was released from the pain and discomfort that her body had endured for the last months and years, and we know she is now rejoicing with her Saviour. 

Linda was born on October 8, 1921, to Abram and Helena Banman, in Winkler, MB.  In 1935, she was baptized at the Mennonite Brethren Church.  She attended elementary school in Burwalde School District, and then took high school first by correspondence, and then the last two years in Winkler.  She knew at an early age that she wanted to serve God as a missionary, and thus pursued her education with that goal in mind.  After high school, she continued her education and became qualified to teach school with her education at Normal School, as it was then called. She then taught public school in the Morris, MB area for two years.  After that she went to Hillsboro, Kansas, to study at Tabor College.   Her dreams were realized when, in 1949, she was sent to work as a missionary in Brazil by the Mennonite Brethren Church Mission Board.  She spent many years in her work in an orphanage and schools, as well as church-planting, in Brazil, coming home every seven years for a well deserved furlough.  When she retired from the rigors of work in Brazil, she continued her missionary career by working with the Portuguese community in Winnipeg.  She conducted Bible studies, assisted new immigrants to become acclimatized to life in Winnipeg, and counselled new mothers on nutrition and child rearing techniques. 

In her final few years, her health began to decline, and it became difficult and unsafe for her to live alone, so she moved to Pembina Place Mennonite Personal Care Home.  She quickly became part of the ‘family’ there, and adjusted to her new surroundings very well.  The staff were truly her “angels of mercy” and the family is most grateful for the professional and compassionate care she was given.  In the last few weeks, when Linda was unable to read anymore, the staff took the time to read Scripture to her in the morning, say a prayer with her, and sing favourite hymns as they cared for her. 

In the years that Linda lived in Winnipeg, she worshipped at Salem Mennonite Brethren Church for many years.  When the stairs became an issue for her, she began attending McIvor Mennonite Brethren Church.  She was very warmly welcomed in both communities, and her family is most appreciative of the caring and sensitivity shown to her by so many people in these faith communities. 

Left to cherish her memory are her sister, Margaret (Walter), sisters-in-law, Lynda and Mary, and nephews and nieces, Louise, Norman, Peter (Irene), John (Carol), Kelvin (Elaine), Donald (Kim), Howard (Maggie), Chas (Joanne), Ted (Marge), Ruth (Lee), Lorne (Charlotte) and Terry (Sara) and their families.

Linda was predeceased by her mother and father, brothers, George and John, niece, Kathy, and niece’s husband, Peter. 

Funeral service was held at Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church at on Monday, April 14 at 11:00 A.M..  There was also a Memorial Service at Salem Mennonite Brethren Church in Winnipeg, on Tuesday, April 15, at 1:30 P.M.

 Well done, thou good and faithful servant.

Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler in care of arrangements.