STEINWAND
On Friday, July 2, 2010 an era came to an end when 97 year old Lydia Steinwand quietly passed away in her sleep. Lydia (Traudt) Steinwand was born on March 10, 1913 in Norga, Russia. In 1925, 12 year old Lydia and her sister Elizabeth, traveling with their grandparents, embarked on a life changing journey that brought them to Canada.
With little opportunity for an education, Lydia learned English, worked as a housekeeper, baby sitter and farm hand until this guy walked across a floor she had just scrubbed. Thankfully her anger subsided to romance, which led to her marrying David Steinwand on October 12, 1933. Those were tough but happy times during which they developed their farm and raised seven children.
A wonderful mother with a strong faith in God, Lydia simply would not let hard work get in the way of loving and teaching her family life values. Feeding a large family, she was a fantastic cook where no one was ever turned away from her door hungry and often they took produce home from her two acre garden.
Lydia loved to make quilts, knit and crochet. Often during trips and even while sitting and visiting, hundreds of items like socks, scarves, coasters, doilies, tablecloths and afghans were created. She exceeded her goal that every grandchild had a handmade quilt from their grandmother. Personal items made for family and friends are found in homes across Canada, Texas, Australia and Qatar.
With such a large family, Lydia took advantage of opportunities they provided to travel to destinations like New York, New Jersey, Newfoundland, Texas, Vancouver, North Dakota and Montreal.
After 70 years in Canada, Lydia re-connected with her half brother Sasha Kleckner, in Freiburg, Germany. She made two trips to his home with members of her family and as well, Sasha and family visited Lydia in Castor twice.
Lydia was pre-deceased by her husband David in 1976, granddaughters Marsha in 1960, Jennifer in 1992, sister Elizabeth in 1993, son-in-law Ken Pals in 1998, son Allen in 2002, grandsons Michael Pals in 2003 and Tim Steinwand in 2004.
She is survived by her daughters Esther Pals and Verna (Larry) Holden; sons: Norman (Marian), Albert (Pat), Donald (Lillian) and Harry (Sonia); sixteen grandchildren; forty-five great grandchildren and three great, great grandchildren; one half brother Sasha Kleckner in Germany; one brother in law Oscar Stonewall. Each and every family member was special in Lydia's heart. She will be sadly missed by her family and her many friends in the Castor District where she lived for the last 83 years.
Funeral Services was held on July 6, 2010 at the Castor Community Hall with Rev. Barbara Zimmerman officiating. Cathy Schaffner played for the congregational hymns; Perry Holden gave the eulogy; Pat Steinwand read the 23rd Psalm; David Pals presented memories; Jeff Steinwand sang "Tears In Heaven;" Kelly Stienwand read family tributes; Kassidy Steinwand sang "I Miss You;" Margaret Ebenol and the great grandchildren sang "Jesus Loves Me" and "You Are My Sunshine;" and Carrie Rickards along with the youngest great grandchild Danica presented memories of Grandma. A pictorial slide show was presented.
Interment took place at Castor Cemetery with Pallbearers being David Pals, Doug Stienwand, Bryon Steinwand, Jeff Steinwand, Perry Holden, Carrie Rickards, Gordon Stienwand and Kelly Stienwand; and Honorary Pallbearers were Wendy Belanger, Gailene Holden, Tracy Steinwand, Bev Braat, Margaret Ebenol, Lynn Cambridge, Kathy Ryan and Heather Thomas as Lydia was laid to rest beside her husband David. Memorial donations may be made in Lydia's name to a charity of your own choice. Condolences may be sent to Parkview@telusplanet.net and will be forwarded to the family. Friends and family gathered at the community hall for a time of sharing memories and a luncheon prepared by the Knox United Church Women. Parkview Funeral Chapels and Crematorium entrusted with the care and arrangements.