From the Abbotsford News
August 8, 1930 – March 14, 2022
MEI Class of 1947 (Jr. Matriculation)
MEI Class of 1948 (Sr. Matriculation)
Lena was born to Jacob F. and Lena (Friesen) Janzen on August 8, 1930, in Meacham, Saskatchewan. The family moved to BC in 1932 and her father opened a general store in Greendale where she helped out as a young girl.
Lena married Nick Harder in July of 1951. Their son Philip was born in 1952, followed by Pauline in 1954. She was an active member of the Greendale MB Church. Lena worked in a variety of retail stores in Chilliwack.
In 1967 Nick and Lena moved to Abbotsford, where they joined Bakerview MB Church. She continued work in sales at Heppner Jewelers in Clearbrook but joined MSA Cablevision in the early days of that company. Lena was the office manager there for 15 years until health challenges led to her retirement in 1986.
In their leisure time Nick and Lena enjoyed travelling with friends to sunny locations as well as touring many parts of the world on cruises. After their move to Garden Park Tower Lena participated in various roles – council member, office volunteer, social activities coordinator, and organizer of a senior’s choir.
A Celebration of Life will take place at Bakerview MB Church in early May.
Lena is survived by her husband of 70 years, Nick; her son Phil (Marcia) Harder, grandchildren Tiffany (Max) Winchester, Justin (Tanya) Harder and Jocelyn (Zack) Schmelter; great-grandchildren Rhiannon and Alex Winchester, Jake and Ben Harder, and Noah and Judah Schmelter.
Also, her daughter Pauline Reimer, grandchildren Kimberley (Daron) Mayes, Danica (Clayton) Krahn, Joel (Avin) Reimer, and Nadine Reimer; great-grandchildren Dawson (Kenna) Mayes, Jackson, Brendan, and Nathan Mayes; Tai, Isaiah and Harper Krahn; Mya, Abby and Joshua Reimer.
She has one remaining sister, Rosella Wiebe, brother-in-law, Ron Yeske, and sister-in-law, Vicki Janzen.
She was predeceased by her brothers Johnny and Fred Janzen, sister Nettie-Ann Yeske, and sister-in-law Jeanne Janzen.
