Anne Klassen

Our dear Aunt Anne passed away at the Lynn Valley Care Centre in North Vancouver after a recent fall. She was 100 years old and proud of it. Anne was a life-long Christian who continued to read her bible despite failing health. She was a member of the Willingdon Church in Burnaby.

Months after her birth in Ukraine in 1926, her family departed for Canada, arriving in Souris, Manitoba. After Anne completed high school, the family moved to Clearbrook, BC, where she attended the Royal Columbian School of Nursing in New Westminster, graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1947. For many years, Anne practiced at Lions Gate Hospital where she ultimately served as head nurse in the operating room. Ever the consummate nurse, Anne helped look after friends and relatives in her retirement.

Anne loved children and cherished visits with several generations of nieces and nephews. During her stay at Summerhill PARC retirement home, she enjoyed hosting visitors and hearing their news. A long-time Scrabble player, Anne continued to enjoy word play, even as her memory failed in recent years.

A keen traveller and avid driver, Anne journeyed to distant places to participate in family celebrations and see the world. A highlight was joining a Mennonite Heritage Cruise in 2012 which departed Kiev, Ukraine, and travelled down the Dnieper River to visit the site of former Mennonite colonies in southern Ukraine. She was thrilled to walk through the village in the Chortitza Colony where she was born.

The family is grateful to Anne’s physician Dr. Sandra Wiebe, as well as staff who looked after her at the Lynn Valley Care Home.

Anne enjoyed bringing family and friends together to celebrate her birthday. In the spirit of those occasions, a celebration of her life will be held in North Vancouver in spring, 2027, date and place to be announced.