Selma Anna Warkentin

Selma was born 7 November 1930 in Hague, Saskatchewan to her parents Jacob and Lena Lepp. She was the sibling number seven out of eight children. She began her education in a little country school near Mennon, Saskatchewan, and her family attended Hepburn MB church. In 1946 her family moved to British Columbia where she attended MEI (Mennonite Educational Institute). After high school, she attended Columbia Bible College and then worked for Eaton’s in Mission and as a secretary at Rogers Feed, plus many hours on her parents farm. On 1 October 1953, after 4 months of dating, she married her life long love, Lawrence David Warkentin.

Her missionary journey began, where she left her legacy in 7 churches in Canada, Austria, and Germany. She was defined by her devotion to Faith, Family, Friends, Flowers, Food, and Fun. She touched many people through Children ministry, teaching religion classes, worship service, cooking meals for multitudes, but most deeply her own children, Paul, Richard, Elaine, and Petra.

After 45 years of mission service, Selma and Lawrence retired to Abbotsford, BC, but her devotion to the six F words continued, now shared with her 9 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. On 20/September 2026, Selma lost her love, Lawrence. She spent her last days at the Mayfair Senior living where she received kindness and care. She passed away just 3 1/2 months after Lawrence.

A service of remembrance and celebration of life will be held on Monday, 19 January at 11 am, at The Gathering Church (formerly Bakerview MB Church) in Abbotsford.