We Remember
SAWATZKY, Laura Heidi
May 11, 1931 — June 18, 2017
Laura Heidi Sawatzky passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, June 18, 2017, at the Village at Mill Creek Care Home in Kelowna, B.C. Laura is remembered for her love of Jesus, her compassionate generosity to all she met, and her wonderfully astute sense of humour that never failed to make us laugh and smile.
She is mourned by her sister Agnus Lepp and husband Bill Lepp and her sister Lydia Klassen who daily cared for Laura for the past 20 years during Laura’s diagnosis of MS. Laura will also be dearly missed by her many nieces and nephews, and her good friend Sue, nurse and caregiver.
Laura’s heart was always one of Christian mission. From 1959-1964, Laura taught in a missionary school in Kodaikanal, India, with Mennonite Brethren Missions, an organization she supported throughout her life. From 1967-1972, she taught at the Anglican Teacher’s College in Mandeville, Jamaica, on assignment with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) where she started a reading program in the schools because schools in Jamaica had no books.
Laura received her Bachelor of Education from the University of Manitoba in 1967, became a member of the Manitoba Teacher’s Society, and worked for the Winnipeg School Division in inner-city schools throughout her teaching career. Throughout her life, Laura sponsored needy children and families through World Vision Kids.
A Memorial Service for Laura Sawatzky will be held on Monday, August 14, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. in the Reception Hall at the Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, B.C. with interment to follow at the Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery, 1991 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna, B.C.
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Service
Monday, August 14, 2017, at 10:00 am
Location
Springfield Funeral Home Family Center
Dear Lydia, Agnes and Bill,
We read the obituary for Laura, posted in the Winnipeg Free Press. We remember meeting Laura on several occasions (family related) in Manitoba. Her record of mission services is laudable – God be praised. We wish you, as Geschwister, peace as you celebrate Laura’s life.
Dear Tante Lydia,
Just wanted to pass on our sympathies on the loss of your sister.
Your faithful service to her was an amazing example of love & devotion.
Even though it is a blessing that she no longer is suffering with such a horrible disease,
It will no doubt feel as there is a big hole left in your time,
Sympathies again to you.& my cousins
Love Rhonda & Ron