Obituary of Anna Wideman

The family of Anna Esther Wideman announce the passing of our beloved sister and aunt into the arms of Jesus, at Nithview Home in New Hamburg on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at the age of 93. Born at Markham, Ontario, a daughter of the late Albert R. and Magdalena Hoover Lehman Wideman, Anna was also predeceased by brothers Alvin S. and Lorne H., sisters Henrietta Lehman Wambold and Marion Brownsberger, infant brother and sister Edward and Edna Wideman, and nephews Albert and George Brownsberger. Anna is survived by sister, Ella M. Grove; nieces and nephews, Catherine (Thom) Norris, Edith (Ian) Grant, Isabel Wambold, Joyce (David) George, Elizabeth (Douglas) Long, Susan (Robert) Ellis, Candie (Lloyd) Brubacher, Beverley (Peter) Kay, Keith (Suzanne) Wideman, Carol (Arnold) Good, Marion Good, Ken (Ruth Anne) Grove, Dixie (Ray) Torkelson; 37 great-nieces and nephews; 88 great-great-nieces and nephews; and one great-great-great-nephew. Anna was a life-long member of the Mennonite Church. She was a graduate of the nursing programs of Rockingham Memorial Hospital (R.N.) and Eastern Mennonite College (B.ScN.) in Harrisonburg, Virginia, U.S.A. Anna taught nursing at Toronto East General Hospital and worked in the field of nursing at the International Grenfell Association Hospital in St. Anthony, Northern Newfoundland for 15 years. The first two years were in voluntary service under MCC. Anna then continued as Assistant Director of Nursing and then as Director of Nursing. In appreciation of her devoted service and the esteem in which she was held by her associates, Anna was awarded the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977. She completed her nursing career as Director of Nursing at Listowel Memorial Hospital in Listowel, Ontario. In her retirement years, she volunteered time and effort, contributing what she could to Mennonite Central Committee relief programs. Friends and relatives may call at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Thursday, July 4, 2013 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Visitation will continue at First Mennonite Church, 800 King St. E., Kitchener on Friday, July 5, 2013 from 10- 10:45 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. Lunch will follow at the church. Interment will take place in Wideman Mennonite Cemetery, Highway 48, Markham later Friday afternoon. If desired, memorial donations to MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates) in support of their women's projects would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy in lieu of flowers. Donations may be arranged by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.