Gertrude Harder 1899 - 1978

Gertrude Penner Harder of No. 3 - 7479 Vedder Road Sardis, B.C. was called home on September 6, 1978 in Chilliwack General Hospital after a lengthy time of suffering.

She came to Yarrow B.C. in 1949 with her two foster sons, Frank and Victor Froese, the children of her sister. During the war years their families were separated and the boys, Frank, 3 years old and Victor, 1 year old remained with their aunt. Trude was a very good mother to both of them.

Gertrude Penner was born in Chortiz, (Zaporiz'ka) Ukraine on April 14, 1899 in Old Chortiz Russia. Her parents were Johann and Gertrude Penner. She was married to Abram Harder in 1928. No children were born to them. Abram passed away in 1939, 11 years after they were married and she remained as a widow. Trude provided childcare for her young nephews.

And so, Tante Trude filled the place of their Mother for Frank and Victor, her nephews and guided their training and education. She was widowed even before the war, and she became their legal guardian when they immigrated to Canada in 1949. She was affectionately known as "Tante Trut" to family and friends.

Tante Trut, Frank and Victor lived at 3985 Eckert Road, Yarrow, B.C. for 29 years. For much of that time she worked at the Ocean Spray Cannery which was situated across the street.

She lived alone again in 1962, after both of the boys left for their education or work and were married. When she became frail, the family moved her into the #3 unit on 7479 Vedder Road so Frank and his kids could look in on her more regularly.

On March 25, 1978 Tante Trut was brought to the Chilliwack General Hospital where she eventually passed away. The Lord has given her eternal peace.

Mrs. Gertrude Harder was member of the United Mennonite Church in Yarrow. Her funeral Service was held September 11th in the United Mennonite Church, Yarrow, B.C. Rev. P.W. Dyck spoke in German using the text 1 Corinthians 15:57 "Thanks be to God who has given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Rev. Henry Claassen spoke in English using the text from Revelation 14:13 "And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the LORD from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them."

A volunteer group blessed the celebration with fitting songs. Pallbearers were Frank Froese, his two sons Eric Froese and Frank Edward Froese, and Victor Froese. Burial was at the Yarrow Cemetery. She is survived by two nephews, Frank Froese of Chilliwack and Victor Froese of Winnipeg, Manitoba and one sister, Helena in Germany. In 1978, Victor and his family lived in Winnipeg where he taught at the University of Manitoba.

After the burial of Mrs. Harder at the Yarrow Cemetery all the mourners gathered for coffee in the church basement.

Mrs. Harder is survived by her two nephews, Victor Froese, wife Sandra and their children Brenda and Roland, Winnipeg, Manitoba; Frank Froese, wife Marlene and their children Eric, Linda and Frank, Chilliwack, B.C. Her sister Helena Neudorf in Germany; Annie Mack, the daughter of sister Helena in Germany; Henry & Mariechen Froese, Langley, B.C., the boy’s paternal uncle and aunt; and Katharina Froese, grandmother of Victor and Frank.

At the time of her death, she was survived by all the people listed above but now (Jan. 2020), her sister in Germany and Frank & Marlene have passed away.

References: 1978 Oct 04 Der Bote; at the request of the family by Frieda Fast, Translated and Edited; and Chilliwack Progress Sept 13, 1978.