It is with sadness that we mourn the passing of Irma Doreen Epp who passed away in her sleep on September 17, 2016. Irma Doreen Neufeldt was born August 1, 1933, the eldest child of Peter P. & Helena (Enns) Neufeldt in Yarrow B.C. Her siblings are her sister Elfrieda and brothers Harvey and Jerry. She attended school in Yarrow. She married Walter Sawatsky on August 22, 1948 at Yarrow BC. Two sons, Terrance and Edwin were born to them. Walter passed away in 1961 in an automobile accident.

She will be missed by her husband Siegfried (Fred) Epp; children Terry Sawatsky & Cathy Hodder, Ed & Norilynn Epp, and Darlene & Ted Loewen; grandchildren Erin Epp & Andrew Posen, Alexandra Epp & James Edgar, James Loewen, Tamar Sawatsky, Joshua Loewen, and Abigail Loewen; as well as her brothers and sisters Elfrieda & Abe Konrad, Harvey & Anne Neufeldt, Jerry & Edith Neufeldt, and Helen Epp; and many friends and colleagues. Viewing will be held on Thursday, September 22, 2016 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street. Memorial service will be held on Friday, September 23, 2016 at 1:00 pm. at McIvor Avenue Mennonite Church, 200 McIvor Avenue.

"Mrs. Epp" was my beloved English teacher at MBCI in the late '70's. She always walked in the room with purpose and told us with a broad smile, "We have a lot to learn today." Specifics of the lessons have long since left my memory, but her positive energy and confidence in us have not. She was a teacher that a person inherently trusted and English quickly became (and remains) my favorite subject. Condolences to your family as you say good-bye. : Lydia Penner (nee Sawatzky)

Irma was our teacher at MBCI and we loved her. She taught us well, but also knew how to laugh!! Later in life we worked as deacons with Irma and Fred. We witnessed how she and Fred served the Lord with commitment, and love and endless servant hearts. Once again, she taught us. She was a woman of great faith, and our lives are richer for her friendship over the years. She will be greatly missed. Our expression of sympathy is to you Fred, and to all the family. May God give you peace, comfort and many wonderful memories of your mom and Grandma. It looks like we are unable to attend the funeral, but we will be there in thought and prayers. With love, Alvin and Joy Klassen.