Elaine Peters
January 30, 2023
January 30, 2023
January 30, 2023
On January 30th, 2022 Elaine Peters (nee Kroeker) left her physical body and launched into the Great Mystery. She did so with certainty that she would be joining Jesus in heaven. She knew there was a place for her there, and in her last days she patiently waited for that eventuality. She died at home, peacefully.
With ninety years lived in this world, Elaine has left a legacy of love and devotion to her family that continues to ripple wider and wider. She leaves behind children: sons Dale (Edna), Tim (Petimi), and daughter Jennifer (Gord), her grandchildren: Jodi, Daniel, Jayne and Thomas, and her great-grandchildren: Daleia, Wesley, Trillium and Luna, as well as dear friends and several cousins.
Elaine was born in 1932 in Steinbach, Manitoba. After high school she attended steno school and worked in various office assistant positions, including Penner Dodge Chrysler. In 1952 she married Vern Peters, a high-school science teacher and moved to Winnipeg, where they raised three children. Elaine was a pillar of fellowship, guidance and service in her home church, Bethesda. She also served her wider community, such as the Winnipeg Bible College on the Ladies Auxiliary. In 1986 she moved abroad with Vern, recently retired school administrator, to a two year post at the Janz Team's Black Forest Academy in Germany. In the performance of her librarian duties, she offered comfort to homesick missionaries' children as well as entertaining and hosting international visitors to BFA.
Upon their return to Canada, she and Vern moved to BC, settling in Abbotsford. Elaine mixed tourist travels with visits back to Winnipeg to stay connected with her daughter and family and to bury both mother and father in Steinbach. Ten short years later, she lost Vern to Alzheimer’s disease. After he died, she used her caregiver experience to support others in similar situations through her volunteer work with the Alzheimer’s Society of BC. Additionally, her new single status afforded the many hours with which she served local women's ministries through bible study and prayer leadership as well as mentorship.
Elaine was a beloved and attentive grandmother. All four of her grandchildren recall her unconditional love, care, and inquisitive attention. She loved adventure, travel and going to shows. She would bring various family members to the symphony, the ballet, concerts, high tea, or fancy brunch. Elaine had a special love for Gospel quartet music. “I think she taught us the beauty, joy and importance of regular, in-person, connection with family, as she, the matriarch, enabled and inspired yearly gatherings of her family, for as long as possible. Finally, when her health restricted her mobility, we all came to her.” (Jodi Peters)
As an earnest Jesus follower, Elaine's prayer and devotional life comforted and sustained her, even to her very last days. A favorite reading contained this scriptural promise, from Isaiah 41:
“Fear not for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
An open house was held in Elaine’s honor February 11th at the Abbotsford residence she shared with son Dale and Edna. A private family gathering will be held this summer at a seaside location, since Elaine loved the ocean.
You are invited to leave a personal message for the family.
Dear Dale, Jennifer, and Tim,
I am thinking of you and sending my love and respects to you all. I am thankful for Aunt Elaine and the family gatherings that I remember she hosted! Denise tells me she looked after Sandy and Denise the day I was born.
God Bless,
Steph
~ Stephanie Penner
Dear Dale, Tim, & Jennifer, & Family,
My deep sympathy & condolence to you & family on your loss.
I recall with great fondness the Sunday-after-church lunches in your home in Charleswood, prepared by Elaine and hosted by her & Vern! Also her many services to her Lord at Bethesda as librarian, choir member, ladies fellowship, etc.
She is now free from her physical limitations, and reunited with Vern & Jesus.
Praying for peace and inner strength for each one of you.
Sincerely,
Philip Tan
Vic and I feel the emptiness she is leaving; until a few days ago, Elaine and I had long chats on the phone, discussing the antics of the next generations, and their recent worldly travels!
She , was a ‘big sister’ I never had and I appreciated that!
We are so sorry to have found that we'd missed knowing Elaine was living in Abbotsford during the past 11 years since we returned from Germany. Vern was our second son's grade 3 & 4 teacher at Black Forest Academy. He encouraged and helped our son to academic excellence despite learning disabilities. We valued Vern and Elaine's friendship as fellow staff members. We lost track of where they went and so had no idea that we and Elaine were both in Abbotsford.
May the Lord comfort you and extend the heritage you received from your parents.
~ Harold & Betty Klassen