Antonia Sommer, lovingly known as “Toni”, passed away quietly into the presence of her Lord on Saturday, June 12, 2004 at Chilliwack General Hospital. She was in her 100th year.
Antonia will be sorely missed by her children, Joe (Ruth) Sommer and Evelyn Warkentin and her special friend, Norm Kachenko. Also surviving her are her grandchildren: Joanne (Tom) Sommer-Miller; Marilyn (James) Shiach; Karen (Chris) McGrath and Ken Warkentin. As well she had 9 great-grandchildren: Kelsey, Kai and Colin McGrath; Samara, Levi and Shilo Shiach; Nathaniel Sommer-Miller and Samantha and Kelly Warkentin (along with their mother, Sandra).
Antonia was born on September 18, 1904 in Bruderfeld, Alberta. Here she met and married her husband, August Sommer, in 1923. They farmed in New Sarepta, Alberta until 1948 when they moved to a dairy farm in Chilliwack, living there until their retirement.
After the death of her husband, August in 1984, Antonia continued to live in her own home until she was 96 years of age. She spent her last few years enjoying the comforts of the Chilliwack Lifestyles Home, welcoming visits from family and friends there.
Antonia was a very special lady with a wonderful sense of humor which she retained until her death. Even during the last eight days of her life, which she spent in the hospital, she continued to exhibit a joyful and positive spirit towards those around her in spite of her circumstances.
She passionately loved all living things — her flowers, her garden, her birds and all sorts of animals, especially small helpless creatures. Cooking meals, knitting, crocheting or making quilts for her family and friends gave her great pleasure.
Most of all Antonia loved her Lord and enjoyed singing her favourite hymns while picking out the notes on her little keyboard. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her; but heaven will be richer because of her presence there.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 17, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. from the German Church of God, 45814 Lewis Ave., Chilliwack, B.C. Viewing at Henderson’s Funeral Home will be Wednesday, June 16 between 7:30 — 8:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gideon Bible Society.