Eva Regehr

Eva Regehr was born to John and Elizabeth Wiebe de Veer on January 19, 1924, in Sunnyslope Alberta. She left us on September 20, 2023, at ninety-nine years of age.

Mom was the second youngest of eight children. Her mother died when Mom was two years old leaving her father and older sisters to take care of the family. Mom often talked about the challenges of growing up without a mother.

Mom gave her heart to the Lord in her youth and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite. She talked about a special infilling of the Holy spirit at that time. Mom had a strong faith and lived it out in a practical way. Mom and Dad provided us with a happy home, and we are grateful for the stability and security we had.

Mom received her education at the one room Antler School which was about a mile from where she lived. Later Mom took a correspondence course in nursing which she really enjoyed.

Mom married Jacob Regehr on October 29, 1944. She has talked about the beautiful day for their backyard reception. Their first home was Dad’s small bachelors house on his farm. There they farmed grain and shipped milk to the local cheese factory and cream to a butter plant. In 1958, they moved to a new congregation near Rosebud, Alberta, where they continued to farm adding laying hens to their livelihood. Four years later they moved to Crooked Creek, Alberta where Dad did custom farm work in the summer. That first winter they moved to a sawmill for work and the next winter Mom and Dad got a job cooking in the oilpatch. This was a job that they both enjoyed with Mom being head cook and Dad being her helper. They enjoyed making friends with the crew. This job meant however, that Mom & Dad had to place their five middle children into the care of various families at Crooked Creek during this time. In 1964, they moved again, this time to Abbotsford, BC. This was a good move for them, and Mom often mentioned that this was the Lord’s leading. Here they farmed laying hens and raspberries while the older children got jobs. Through their financial hardships and other challenges in life, Mom had an attitude of acceptance and making the best of a situation. Mom & Dad often had farm help, boarders or relatives living in with them. Both Mom and Dad were generous and had a heart for those in need, gladly sharing what they had with them.

Mom and Dad had seven children. We have fond memories of Mom reading us Bible stories in the evening and singing Mom’s favourite song “Abide with Me”. Mom had a strong work ethic and thought that her children needed one too. Chores were never optional. Mom had a cheerful disposition and enjoyed her role as mother and we knew that Mom and Dad loved each other.

Mom and Dad moved off the farm in 1974, being able to retire and do more of the things they enjoyed. The many years of hard work and financial stress made this especially meaningful. They took joy in visiting their children and grandchildren, friends, and making new acquaintances.

Dad passed away suddenly in October of 1986, leaving Mom living alone for the next thirty-seven years. In 2019 she faced the loss of her daughter Gwen.

Mom spent the last two-and one-half years in the Valhaven Home. The last years of Mom’s life she required more personal care. Mom often expressed how grateful she was for the help she received from her caregivers. She would leave a testimony of how good God was to her.

Her survivors include Doug and Elaine Regehr, Armstrong BC; Wayne Giesbrecht, Abbotsford BC; Ken and Brenda Regehr, Armstrong BC; Ralph and Carol Regehr, Abbotsford BC; Brian and Sheila Regehr, Phoenix Arizona; Blaine and Sandra Regehr, Abbotsford BC; Karen and Dalys Thiessen, Dewberry Alberta; thirty-six grandchildren, ninety-two great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren. Sisters-in-law Linda Regehr, Moundridge Kansas; Josie Regehr, Linden Alberta; and brother-in-law Walter Regehr, Goltry Oklahoma.

She was predeceased by her husband, parents, siblings and one daughter.

A visitation for Eva will be held Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 6:30 PM at Church of God in Christ, 29623 Downes Road, Abbotsford, BC V4X1Z8. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 10:30 AM, 29623 Downes Road, Abbotsford, BC V4X1Z8. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Maclure Road Mennonite Cemetery, 33965 Maclure Road, Abbotsford, BC V2S 7W3.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfh-abbotsford.com for the Regehr family.