Magdalena (Lynn) (Mierau) Warkentin

Lynn Warkentin (nee Mierau) of Summerland, BC passed into the presence of Jesus on May 2, 2021 at the age of 94.  Lynn, born in Hanover, Manitoba on March 28th, 1927, the third of 6 children, moved with her family from the Prairies to BC where they farmed in Chilliwack, Matsqui, Mission and in Abbotsford.  Mom and all the family worked hard but evenings were spent around the piano making music together.  Mom at the piano, her dad playing violin or mandolin and the rest of the family joining in with vocals and other instruments.  Music was very important and was a big part of their lives; usually hymns or classical music.  In later years, Mom was able to use that expertise and talent, accompanying her husband, Al, as he directed choirs in churches and community choirs, wherever they lived. Mom's beautiful soprano voice could often be heard as she baked in the kitchen or did housework or gardened and on warm summer days, with the windows open, she unknowingly entertained neighbors as she played the piano!

Mom was a hard worker and became a seamstress, living in Vancouver in her early twenties, first at the YWCA and then with her older sister, Anne. Mom married her prince charming, Al, at the age of 23, and soon welcomed Gloria into their lives, followed by Debra and Melody.  Mom continued her sewing skills by sewing almost all of her daughters' clothing, including draperies and other home decor.  She also gardened, keeping beautiful flower beds, as well as providing us with all the vegetables we could eat throughout the year, canning and freezing fruits and vegetables from her gardens.

Mom loved animals and nature.  She took great delight in a beautiful sunrise and sunset, a flock of geese flying overhead, a meadow of wildflowers or a newborn lamb.    Mom was spunky and always ready for an adventure of which there were many.  With a twinkle in her eye, she loved to have a good laugh at a joke, especially when it was Al doing the telling!  She could hit a baseball out of the ball field and then cook a fabulous meal ending with the most delicious pies you ever tasted!  She welcomed many guests to her table and no one went away hungry.  Mom was dad's biggest cheerleader and support as there were many moves due to work transfers or greener pastures!!  She would pack up the household and make our next house feel like home.

Our mom loved reading and studying the Bible and was always willing to share a word of encouragement.  Some of the verses she loved are Philippians 4:6,7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” And I Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you”.  Mom's deep faith in God was reflected in her choice of songs to play or sing, always reflecting the gospel of salvation through Christ and the joy she experienced in Jesus. 

Lynn will be greatly missed by her 3 daughters, Gloria, Debra and Melody, their spouses, along with 6 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson; also survived by her brother, Frank Mierau (Colleen) of Ashcroft, BC; sister-in-law Helen Warkentin of Peachland; brother-in-law Ralph Sheeley of Victoria; and many nieces and nephews.

We rejoice with her as she has been reunited with the love of her life, Al, to whom she was married for over 68 years.  We will celebrate a life well-lived at a later date when family is able to gather.