NETA AGNES DYCK

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NETA AGNES DYCK September 15, 1931 - February 20, 2019 On a sunny winter day our dear Agnes, sister, aunt, great-aunt and friend, passed gently from this earthly life at the age of 87. She is survived by sisters, Katy Unruh of Morden, MB, W. Ruth Wood and Elizabeth Dyck of Winnipeg; nieces, Joy Huebert (Harold Stanley) of Victoria, BC, Noni (Phil) Goertzen of Langley, BC, Christine (Evan) Jennings of Vancouver, BC, and nephews, David Huebert (Betty Worobec) of New Westminster, BC, Don Huebert of Winnipeg, MB, Philip (Diane) Unruh of Carman, MB and Tim (Jeanette) Unruh of Whistler, BC, and 10 grandnieces and 10 grandnephews. Agnes was predeceased by her parents, John and Helena Dyck, a grandniece and her dear nephew Ramsy Unruh. Agnes was a teacher, beginning when she was not quite 18 with only a high school diploma, and retiring 40 years later. She taught first in one-room country schools, then in primary schools in North Kildonan, and lastly, at River East Collegiate teaching high school English. With MCC, she spent a year in St. Anthony, Newfoundland, teaching in the hospital where many children were confined with TB. After retirement, among other volunteer jobs, Agnes taught English to immigrants, newcomers to Canada. For many years she also drove out to Rockwood Institute teaching the inmates their high school English to help them pass their exams. Often she was approached and told, with warmth and appreciation, "you were my grade one teacher" or "you were my English teacher". Agnes also pursued her own education assiduously, during vacations and occasionally taking time off from work. Agnes enjoyed many things, especially reading: Shakespeare, the Bible, poetry, novels and classical literature. "Reading is breathing", she said. She sang in choirs, cross-country skied, cycled and walked. She delighted in the achievements of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She enjoyed her flower garden at 1187 Kildonan Drive, where she lived for 35 years and hosted many memorable family gatherings. Agnes was always generous with her time and resources, supporting many charities, and the endeavors of her younger relatives. After our father died in 1978, Agnes lived with our mother, taking care of her until her death 19 years later. This was much appreciated by our whole family. Agnes was a devoted and active member of McIvor Mennonite Brethren Church, a faithful Christian to the end. She had a sure and certain hope of heaven and was constantly in prayer. This helped her endure the afflictions of Parkinson's with grace and fortitude. There is no event so commonplace but that God is present within it, always hiddenly, always leaving you room to recognize him or not recognize him, but all the more fascinatingly because of that, all the more compellingly and hauntingly... Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery it is. In the boredom and pain of it, no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it, because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace." - Friedrick Beuchner, "Now and Then", p.87 Special thanks to the staff at Kildonan Care Home for their kindness. Funeral services will be held on February 25, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at McIvor Mennonite Brethren Church, 200 McIvor Ave., Winnipeg. Agnes had a heart for people that were marginalized and criminalized. If friends desire, donations may be made in Agnes' memory to the Elizabeth Fry Society of Manitoba. The Elizabeth Fry Society works with and for women and girls in the justice system.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 23, 2019