On a sunny winter day our dear Agnes, sister, aunt, great aunt and friend, passed gently from this earthly life at the age of 87.
She is survived by sisters Katy Unruh of Morden, MB, W. Ruth Wood and Elizabeth Dyck of Winnipeg; nieces Joy Huebert (Harold) of Victoria, BC, Noni (Phil) Goertzen of Langley, BC, Christine (Evan) Jennings of Vancouver, BC, and nephews David Huebert (Betty) of New Westminster, BC, Don Huebert of Winnipeg, Philip (Diane) Unruh of Carman, MB and Tim (Jeanette) Unruh of Whistler, BC., 10 grand-nieces and 10 grand-nephews. Agnes was predeceased by her parents John and Helena Dyck, a grand-niece and her dear nephew Ramsy Unruh.
Agnes was a teacher, beginning when she was not quite 18, with only a high school diploma, and retired 40 years later. She taught first in one-room country schools, then in primary schools in North Kildonan, and lastly, at River East Collegiate teaching high school English. With MCC, she spent a year in St. Anthony, Newfoundland, teaching in the hospital where many children were confined with TB.
After retirement, among other volunteer jobs, Agnes taught English to immigrants, newcomers to Canada. For many years she also drove out weekly to Rockwood Institute teaching the residents their high school English to help them pass their exams. Often she was approached and told, with warmth and appreciation, “you were my grade one teacher” or “you were my English teacher”. Agnes also pursued her own education assiduously, during vacations and occasionally taking time off from work.
Agnes enjoyed many things, especially reading: Shakespeare, the Bible, poetry, novels and classical literature. “Reading is breathing”, she said. She sang in choirs, cross-country skied, cycled, and walked. She delighted in the achievements of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She enjoyed her flower gardens and hosted many memorable family gatherings.
Agnes was always generous with her time and resources, supporting many charities, and the endeavors of her younger relatives. She was a devoted and active member of McIvor MB church, a faithful Christian to the end. She had a sure and certain hope of heaven and was constantly in prayer. This helped her endure the afflictions of Parkinson’s with grace and fortitude.
