Elly Janzen

1935 - 2012

Elly (Loewen) Janzen unexpectedly passed away in Tucson, Arizona on March 4, 2012.

Elly was born to Christian parents Jakob and Helene Loewen on February 16, 1935 in Kleefeld, Ukraine. Her parents were allotted a small piece of land in Halbstadt, and built a small home where she lived with her parents and older brother Jakob until 1943.

Even though life in the early years was difficult for the Loewen family, Elly was young and carefree and enjoyed many fun times with her extended family. The Loewen family immigrated to BC in 1948 and settled in Yarrow.

Elly married Walter Janzen on June 13, 1954 and were blessed with two sons and a daughter. In the mid 1970’s they began to travel and see the world. Their travels took them to many places such as Australia, Asia, Europe, and South America where they enjoyed many different cultures, had many exciting adventures, and met many dear friends. In later years, Elly and Walter became snowbirds, packed up their RV and enjoyed the lazy sunny days of Arizona. When they were not in Arizona, they spent their time at Sheridan Lake where they loved the peace and quiet of the Cariboo.

She was welcomed into heaven by her beloved parents, her older brother Jakob, and her granddaughter Lindsay. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 57 years, Walter, her son Gerald (Marlene), and their children Erin (Jerome Winkle), Brad (Amy), Tyler; her son Glenn (Linda) and their children Nicole (Dave Scott), Jamie (Joshua Rueb), Scott; her daughter Laura (Dan) Sawatzky and their children Andrea and Nick; her great-grandchildren Ryleigh and Mckenna Scott, Abigale Rueb, and Benjamin Winkle.

A Viewing was held on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 2310 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford, B.C. A Graveside Service was held on Friday, March 16, 2012 at the Maclure Road Mennonite Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 a.m. at Ebenezer Mennonite Church, 2051 Winston Street, Abbotsford.