It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Lydia Caroline Boldt, nee Suderman, on May 16, 2008. She was born in Grossweide, Ukraine on June 7, 1925 and passed away while dozing in the sunshine at her home in Abbotsford.
Lydia leaves behind a family that loves her dearly; her husband of 60 years, Henry; their daughters: Beverly (Harv Klassen) and Janet (Ernie Doerksen); grandchildren: Tim (Dulci), Chris (Dave), Rick (Adel), Angie (Jeff), Heather, and Jonathan; five great-grandchildren and one on the way; four sisters and one brother; many in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, one sibling and one nephew.
Lydia was the first child of Abram and Emma Suderman and emigrated to Canada with her parents when she was three months old. They settled in Hepburn, SK where her father worked for the railroad and was the town cobbler. The family moved to Virgil, Ontario in 1940 where she and her siblings helped with the family fruit farm.
In 1944 Lydia graduated from Winkler Bible School in Manitoba. She was a dedicated Christian and was baptized in 1942. She met Henry Boldt in 1947 while working at a summer job in BC. They were married in 1948 and settled in St. Catharines, Ontario. Two daughters were born to them in 1950 and 1952.
She was employed for 32 years as a secretary and accountant.
In 1990 she and Henry moved to Abbotsford to be near their daughters and extended family. Lydia was a charter member of Fairview MB Church in St. Catharines, Ontario and joined Bakerview MB Church in 1990.
Lydia is greatly missed by her family and many friends. She lived life with great zest, loved entertaining, traveling, walking, reading and shopping.
She was a lovely woman with great flair who never looked her age. She shared her many talents and skills generously with others. She volunteered in numerous capacities in her church and community. Lydia made friends easily and was warm and engaging.
She and Henry traveled the world over visiting family and friends and particularly enjoyed cruises.
She died suddenly but peacefully the day following her 60th wedding anniversary.
A Graveside Service will held on Monday, May 26 at 1:00 pm at Maclure Cemetery followed by a Memorial Service at 2:30 pm at Bakerview MB Church on Clearbrook Road.
Donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee.