Erna Kathelene Epp

1920 – 1977

Erna Kathelene Epp was born on August 6, 1920 in Alexanderwohl, Ukraine to Abram and Anna Epp. The family immigrated to Canada in 1925 and settled Coaldale, Alberta. In 1944 they moved to Yarrow, B.C. and in 1950 to Vancouver, where she resided until she was called home to be with the Lord on August 9, 1977.

In Coaldale, Erna obtained her schooling and Bible school background. At the age of 11 years, she accepted Jesus as her personal Saviour and at 16 she was baptized and joined the Coaldale Mennonite Brethren Church. Just prior to her baptism, during the difficult Depression years, her father was tragically snatched out of this life through an accident. As the eldest child Erna keenly felt her responsibilities toward her mother and siblings. At this time, she asked the Lord for a special blessing and the Lord gave wisdom and strength.

Erna had a creative and sensitive spirit. She loved all nature around her and her love of music led her to learn to play the guitar, harmonium and piano. She sang much in the home, in choirs and in small groups. Her enthusiasm was catching! She had a great desire to serve the Lord in DVBS, Sunday school, youth work, choirs and reaching out to others as a nurse or in whatever capacity she was involved with people. She especially enjoyed and was blessed by her involvement with the Christian Women’s Club.

Her recent illness was a time of testing and refining – as gold in a refiner’s fire; though her beauty faded because of her illness, her inner person grew in radiance and strength. It was truly marvelous how the Lord worked in and through her during this time. He has delivered her from suffering and now she is with Him.

Erna was predeceased by her father Abram Epp in 1937 and an infant brother in 1925. She is survived by her mother (Mrs.) Anna Epp; her sisters: Anne Marie, Susan, Elizabeth and Martha (Mrs. Ernest) Enns; her brother Abraham and his wife Lena; and six nephews. The family awaits a reunion in heaven.