MARIA (JANZEN) KLASSEN

Written by Maria on May 9, 1958

I, Maria Klassen, born a Janzen, was born May 20, 1896 in Neu Samara, in the Village of Podolsk, Russia. My parents were Andreas and Susanna Janzen, nee Walde. I spent my childhood and youth here. On June 19, 1911, I became a Christian, accepting the Salvation Plan that the Lord offered. I found peace in the words found in Isaiah 35:8 - "And a Highway shall be there, and a Way, and it shall be called The Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein." I was baptized that same year and accepted into the Mennonite Brethren Church in Lugowsk on August 10, 1911. It is through God’s grace that I have been protected in my faith even through trials. The Motto I chose for my life is Psalm 24:9 - "O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him," and Psalm 37:4-5 - "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of your heart. Commit your way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass." I also claimed the whole chapter of Psalm 37.

In 1919 the Lord called me into His work. I had the privilege to teach Sunday School for seven years. I received much joy and blessings during these years of teaching. I was able to go to Orenburg to attend Bible School for six months.

Then the Lord led me in such a way that I was married to Herman Klassen on April 15, 1926. Here the Lord also had special duties for me. I immediately become a mother to his three children who required care. The Lord gave us another six children, of which three preceded my death. Two sons died as babies in Russia, and one son died by drowning on May 19, 1931, in Gem, Alberta. The death of the two baby sons and especially the son that met his death by drowning was a very difficult time. The Lord comforted me and helped me through these difficult days. Eight years later I could say with Job, "The Lord has given, the Lord has taken, Blessed be the name of the Lord."

In 1929 we had the opportunity of travelling to Moscow and arrived safely in Coaldale, Alberta, Canada. The Lord was with us and blessed us richly in every way. Praise be to Him. Many times, He led us through hardships, but these ways eventually turned out that His Name could be glorified. (This ends Maria’s writing.)

In 1942 Herman and Maria moved to Yarrow, British Columbia. Maria was sick with severe headaches much of her life. It was especially difficult the last ten months when she suffered from a Blood Disorder. She spent one hundred and twenty days in hospital, sometimes in Vancouver and sometimes in Chilliwack. She was given blood transfusions twenty-nine times. She received good care during her hospital stays but was always thankful to be home.

On June 17, 1958 she was again admitted to Chilliwack General Hospital. On June 19, 1958 Maria went Home to her Lord. She had overcome. She was 62 years and one month old. She left behind her husband of thirty-two years, Herman, sons Peter (Helen) and John (Katie), four daughters, Elizabeth (Dan Thiessen), Agnes, Annie, Katie (Edward Giesbrecht) and six grandchildren. In Russia there remained three sisters and two brothers.

The funeral for Maria Klassen was held on June 22, 1958, in the Yarrow Mennonite Brethren Church. Rev. Herman Lenzmann, Leader of the Church, officiated.

Rev. Henry G. Classen, City Missionary in Vancouver, spoke in the English Language on “Losing and Winning”. He emphasized that there is no second chance to become a Christian after death. Living for Christ gives eternal life. Living for worldly pleasures gives eternal death.

Brother Lenzmann spoke in German using Revelation 21:1-7 as the basis of his message. "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth . . . He that overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son." He described the home of the deceased, a home where the Bible was read. During a visit shortly before her death, the Sister had said, “They want me to come.” “Who?” “The Angels.” Both speakers had frequently visited the deceased in the hospital. This was greatly appreciated by the family.

Music was provided by a men’s group and the Ladies’ Aid of which Maria was a member. At Maria’s request, Brother George Reimer finished the service by singing, “Hier auf Erden bin Ich Ein Pilger” (Here on Earth I Am a Pilgrim).

Interment followed in the Yarrow Cemetery.

Her children remember their mother as a gentle and loving presence in the home. Her step-children only spoke kindly of her. She was a seamstress, sewing beautiful garments. The first years in Canada some were made from the common flour and sugar sacks, some from used clothes she took apart. She often arose early to sew; she knit to keep her family in warm gloves and socks. In time, her sewing matched the styles of the day, even black-watch kilts, perfectly pleated and the gold pin. A dark green sweater in cable stitch was knit to match with gold-coloured buttons.

It seemed without effort, she had a meal prepared for unexpected visitors, which was a regular occurrence. She was a supportive helpmate for Herman, which enabled him to serve in the various capacities. Together they hosted many friends, including widows and widowers in their friendship circle. She enjoyed sharing her baking, or a jar of soup, with the widows in her neighbourhood. The diary she kept the last year gives evidence of Herman’s and Maria’s rich social life. It also highlights the loving support they received from their spiritual community.