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Lena "Len" Megchelsen (nee Dyck)

September 23, 2017

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Lena Megchelsen (nee Dyck)

November 16, 1933 - September 23, 2017

With great sadness we announce the passing of Lena Megchelsen.

Lena (or Len) was the 5th and last child of Gerhard Phillip Dyck and Maria (Sudermann) Dyck. She had an exciting start to her life after her mother was rushed several kilometers in winter conditions to the Shanavon Hospital for the delivery.

Lena grew up in Stone Sask and attended a small rural school of 6 students. Her family moved to Chilliwack BC when she was 12 and Lena had to adjust to living in a more populated area with larger schools. Her family started attending the Eden Mennonite Church.

After graduating from Chilliwack Senior, she worked in a tomato cannery that summer and went to a Bible School in the fall.

Lena took her 3 year Nurse's training program at the Royal Columbian Hospital and later worked at the Chilliwack General Hospital.

Lena also worked a brief stint for MCC in Newfoundland until her mother fell ill, leading her to return to Chilliwack.

Lena resumed her job at Chilliwack General, working first as a Night Nurse and in 1962 became a Nursing Supervisor of the Men's Ward.

During these working years she met her future husband Gerry Megchelsen, who spent 6 months in traction and was a long term patient in her ward.

Gerry and Lena married on Dec 21, 1968 and attended the Bethel Netherland Reformed Church. They ended up moving to a dairy farm.

Lena retired from nursing at this time to help work on the farm and raise their two beloved children; Ian (1971) and Maria (1974).

Lena and Gerry enjoyed their married life for 25 years and built a house together in Rosedale.

In 1994, Lena's husband Gerry passed away suddenly on his way home from work. Lena had to adjust to life as a widow.

She became active with various Ladies groups at Eden Church and loved baking for her children. In 1995 she was blessed to become the grandmother of Brett Owen Sparkes. In the years following, God gifted her with four more precious grandchildren: Amy & Carter (Maria & Ian Sparkes) and Emily & Stefan (Ian & Heather Megchelsen). She treasured her grandchildren and loved to spend time with each one of them.

Lena moved to the Redwood Villa, transferred to the Eden Care Home and eventually settled in Valley Haven, along with her sisters.

She passed away peacefully on September 23, 2017.

Lena is predeceased by Gerry Megchelsen (spouse), Gerhard & Maria Dyck (parents), Phillip & Mary Dyck (siblings) and Dorothy Dyck (sister in law).

She is survived by Margaret & George Dyck ( siblings), Laura Dyck (sister in law), Ben & Geurtje Megchelsen (Netherlands brother and sister in law), Janni Lokhorst (Netherlands sister in law), Ian & Heather Megchelsen (son and daughter in law), their children Emily & Stefan, Maria & Ian Sparkes (daughter and son in law) and their children, Brett, Amy and Carter.

Lena (affectionately known as "Len") will be fondly remembered by her abundant love, generous spirit and fierce loyalty for her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider donating to World Vision.

Memorial service September 29, 2017 at 1 pm, Eden Mennonite Church.



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