Obituary of Beatrice Viola Sauder

To view the livestream of the funeral service, please click here.

Following a stroke, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Monday, March 10, 2025, at the age of 94. Survived by Elmer, her husband of 73 years, her children Allan (Donna), Phillip (Julia), Steven (Cobina), Linda (Philip), Joseph, and her 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by parents, Aaron and Melinda Biehn and brother, Donald Biehn.

Born April 14, 1930, Beatrice’s work ethic, practicality and resilience were forged early facing the challenges of prairie farm life near Guernsey, Saskatchewan during the Great Depression. Hitching a horse to their disabled car (Bennett buggy) taught her “waste not, want not”. As well, Beatrice laboured with her mother, honing home-making skills cooking, cleaning, mending and gardening that, later, gave profound meaning to life as she created a home for her cherished family. With iron independence, Beatrice baked one of her famous pies and did laundry just days before passing.

In youth, Beatrice absorbed the value of community as the isolation of farm life was balanced by deep bonds in her Waterloo School (named for homesteaders from Waterloo Region) and Sharon Mennonite Church communities. When Beatrice was 17, Elmer, a dashing young summer farmhand from the east, was smitten by her warm smile and sparkling eyes. After a 4-year courtship through letters and Beatrice’s winter Bible School trips to KW, they married in 1951 and began their beloved family life in St. Jacobs.

Beatrice was a natural “block parent” long before the official program. Neighborhood kids flocked to her backyard to climb the treehouse or enjoy a rowdy game of kick-the-can. Beatrice loved children, and they sensed the security of her smiling face at the kitchen window, doing dishes and watching them play or offering a fresh baked square or cookie. Her love of children extended beyond family and local community, too, as she and Elmer served for years as foster parents for children in need of care. In later years, she loved hearing about the activities of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and she had a special way of making each one feel valued.

A dignified member of the St. Jacobs community for nearly 70 years, Beatrice formed enduring relationships with neighbors, church congregation and friends. Many remember her as a cornerstone of reliable, quiet strength in the community. Beatrice and Elmer were members of a family camping group, sharing memorable trips over 25 years, often to Bon Echo. Beatrice hosted the moms for meal planning meetings punctuated by uproarious laughter.

In 1975, as her children stretched their wings, Beatrice ventured into the working world as a waitress at the new Stone Crock. Management quickly recognized Beatrice’s western hospitality, promoted her to hostess and, for 20 years, she welcomed travelers, celebrities and politicians from around the world with her engaging smile. In private, though, she chuckled at the most recurring question: “Where can we find the Mennonites?” Unfazed, Beatrice, herself a longtime member of St. Jacobs Mennonite Church, would suggest The Meeting Place as a good way to learn more. In the work world, as at home, she modeled rather than preached her steadfast faith, relating to others with equity and respect.

Beatrice cared deeply about family. She gave her all to organize and manage a nurturing home in which her 3 generations of children could thrive. She supported each one, so interested in their activities as they blazed new trails. For her children, Beatrice could be coaxed to try new things: a first-time ever flight to Bangladesh, waterskiing (once!). She found joy on hikes, picnics and theatre trips with family, the latter sometimes performed in her living room by grandkids decked up in the costumes and props found in Grandma’s trove of old but never discarded items.

After their move in 2021 from St. Jacobs to a nice apartment at University Gates, Beatrice recreated her loving home with a gallery of family photos adorning walls and tabletops. Beatrice and Elmer enjoyed a long, pragmatic and sacred partnership. Their marriage was an inspiration to many.

Mother Teresa said, “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” Beatrice, you did exactly that! Your family will miss and love you forever.

Sincere gratitude to the caring staff at St. Mary’s and Grand River hospitals.

Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Sunday, March 16, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Interment will be held on Monday, March 17, 2025, at St. Jacobs Mennonite Cemetery, 2043 Three Bridges Road, St. Jacobs at 9:30 a.m. The funeral service will follow at St. Jacobs Mennonite Church, 1310 King Street N, St. Jacobs, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow the service in the church hall.

A livestream and recording of the service will be made available on Beatrice’s tribute page at www.erbgood.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be appreciated for St. Jacobs Mennonite Church (sjmc.on.ca) or MEDA (meda.org) and may be arranged by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.