It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved sister, aunt and friend, Lena Braun on April 23, 2012 at the St Boniface General Hospital.
Lena was born in the village of Nova Petrovka, Ukraine on September 26, 1919. When she was only three months old, in 1920, she lost her Dad to typhoid fever. This was a time of unrest in the country, so Mother decided to immigrate to Canada with her ten children. In 1925, they settled on a farm in Meadows, Manitoba. They found a church home in Pigeon Lake, about nine miles from where they lived and attended it regularly. She was baptized upon confession of her faith by Rev. John Enns, and was accepted into the Pigeon Lake Church. Her special text was Psalm 119:132: “Turn to me Lord, and have mercy on me as you do on all those who love you.” Lena tried to live by this verse all the days of her life.
Since Grade 2, Lena wanted to be a teacher and she worked hard to achieve that goal. She earned her R.E.P. and B.A. by going to summer school. She taught for 43 wonderful years: seven in Leamington, Ontario in the UMEI, four years in Abbotsford, BC in a Christian school, and 13 years in the Winnipeg School Division at Dufferin and Greenway Schools. In the early years of her teaching career she taught in one-room schools in rural Manitoba.
Lena retired in 1981 and spent many years travelling to Europe, Israel, South America, and the Panama Canal and enjoying God’s wonderful creation. She served at Douglas Mennonite Church as deaconess. She was a volunteer at Meals on Wheels for 15 years. She never tired of entertaining her friends and her infectious smile and sparkling brown eyes instantly made everyone feel welcome. Her friends often joked that she was the one who kept them young. For many years, Lena billeted students in her home, providing them with her special brand of tender-loving care. Hers was a life of inspiration and encouragement to all those who knew her.
In March 2012, Lena was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. During her final weeks she suffered much pain. She often commented to visitors, “I’m looking forward to going to heaven and telling Jesus, ‘Thank you for salvation!’” Lena passed away on April 23, 2012. She was predeceased by her parents, Isaak and Agatha Braun, four sisters, four brothers and their spouses. She will be missed by her sister Tina, 15 nieces and nephews and their families and many friends. Special thanks are due her sister Tina, as well as Adina Wall of Bethania Haus, the wonderful palliative care nurses, and everyone that has given Lena much love and support during this difficult time.
Funeral services will be held at Douglas Mennonite Church, 1517 Rothesay Street on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 11 o’clock.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of one's choice.
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