Tina Draward

Tina was born on September 19, 1926, on the farm homestead in Edenburg, Manitoba. She was the 7th of 8 children born to Peter W and Maria Rempel. Tina was predeceased by all of her siblings. Tina spent her younger years on the family farm in Edenburg while attending a one-room school. After high school in Winnipeg, she began her long career at John Deere in Winnipeg. She was baptized at the Bethel Mennonite Church in Winnipeg.

In 1957, she married Bob Draward. Together, they traveled extensively all over the world.

After early retirement, they moved to Hawaii for five years, 1975 to 1980, where they had previously enjoyed many vacations. During these years, they hosted many guests, family and friends, many from Winnipeg. In 1980, they relocated to Abbotsford. There they quickly became part of our extended Hildebrand family (sister Olga and brother-in-law Abe), along with all the other in-laws and children.

In Abbotsford, they attended the Emmanuel Mennonite church. Bob died in Abbotsford in 1990.

Tina had deep roots with the Emmanuel Mennonite Church. She was always filled with gratitude for her Emmanuel friends. They were her support, her fellowship, and “good times”. This was true until the very end.

Tina continued to travel with her sisters, usually motoring south for the winter months. From 1993 - 2009, she also enjoyed cruises to many different parts of the world with friends and/or family. (Alaska, Caribbean, Panama, Amsterdam, Mediterranean, but one of her favorites was the cruise to South America in 2009).

Tina was a faithful member of TOPS International for 30 years. This led to more travel and many lasting friendships.

Tina was always an avid reader, so when she became an MCC Thrift Store volunteer from 1995 until 2013, it was fitting that she served in the book department.

Tina lived independently until she suffered a fall in 2023 while living in Terrace West at Menno Place. After that, independent living was no longer an option. She was eventually moved to Menno Hospital, which she called home until her death.

Tina always had a taste for the finer things in life. She enjoyed the luxuries of nice homes, nice cars, nice clothes, lots of travel, good food, and the company of family and friends. She didn’t take these privileges for granted.

Her personal pleasures included reading, crosswords, jigsaw puzzles, walking around Mill Lake, and keeping up with current events. And she was always up for a game or two of tile rummy, and maybe a glass of wine.

Tina bought herself a computer for her 80th birthday, and she used it to keep in touch with many family members and friends, on her side of the family and Bob’s. Of course, she also enjoyed the games! Later, she added an iPad to her communication toolbox, making correspondence even easier. Her ability to stay in touch, especially with the younger generation, was remarkable.

Although her physical and communication abilities started failing this past year, we still had the occasional surprise comebacks. On September 18, 2026, one day before her 100th birthday, she transitioned peacefully to her heavenly home.

Tina will be missed by her nieces and nephews and friends, but also by her grand-nieces and grand-nephews. They all shared something special.