Anne Sawatzky

1916 - 2003

Peacefully and surrounded by her family, Anne Sawatzky (nee Kuhl) passed away at the Boundary Trails Health Centre at the age of 86 years.

She is predeceased by her beloved husband, George J., her parents Henry and Mary Kuhl, sister Ella and daughter-in-law, Marge.  

Mom is lovingly remembered by her seven children, Ron, Marianne (Henry), George (Marje), Harold (Mary), Ed (Diane), Robert and Elaine (Ray), her 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.  She is also remembered by her brothers Henry, Sam, Dave, John and sister Evelyn.

Mom was born in the district of Burwalde in 1916.  In 1937 she married dad (George J.).  After a few years of farming, they established and successfully operated the general store in Gnadenthal.  They moved to Winkler in 1955 with their seven children.

Mom had many passions, none so great as her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Her home was always warm and inviting and contained the wonderful aroma of homemade soups, fresh buns and bread.  She was a fabulous cook and loved nothing more than the opportunity to cook for a family gathering. 

Her love of flowers and gardening was obvious.  She could be seen at 5 every spring and summer morning tending to her many flowers and her huge garden.  She had hundreds of flowers with many varieties but her favorite ones were asters.

At 65, when most think of retiring, Mom decided to share her cooking skills with others in the family-owned restaurant, the Triangle Oasis, working side-by-side with her sons.  Her reputation spread very quickly and people would flock to the restaurant to enjoy her creations.  Mom was a very creative and multi-talented person.  In her earlier years, she was well known for her sewing abilities and decorating wedding cakes.  We remember many times where mom was not only sewing the wedding dress, decorating the seven layer wedding cake but sewing all five bridesmaid gowns for a couple of weddings at a time. She had an amazing capacity to work long hours because people depended on her.

She was a compassionate person who willingly gave her time to those in need.

Mom was a fun person to be with and she taught by example.  She provided us all with values and virtues to live by.  Respect for others, hard work and commitment to family were important to her.

Mom had a special relationship with each one of her seven children.  Mom never pushed us but always stood behind us and held us up to do better, to strive to do our best.

Funeral service was held Monday, April 14, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. at the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church, interment followed at the Winkler Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Boundary Trails Health Centre.

We love you and are comforted, knowing that you will continue your journey with the Lord.

Wiebe Funeral Home Winkler in care of arrangements.