BORN, Esther Annie (nee Brandt). January 16, 1923 ~ March 18, 2014. Online condolences may be left at: www.woodlawnfh-abbotsford.com. Esther Annie Born passed away peacefully on March 18, 2014 at the Christine Morrison Hospice in Mission, aged 91 years, of cancer. She was born January 16, 1923 in Melba, Manitoba to John K. and Anna (Thiessen) Brandt. Third in a family of 12 children, she had a happy childhood that ended when she contracted osteomylites at the age of 12. She spent several years in and out of hospitals and was given no hope of walking. Many people prayed and also with the help of homeopathic medicine she recovered. She was able to continue piano studies and led a full and active life. During her time in hospital she committed her life to God. While taking her teacher training at Wesley College, Winnipeg, she was baptized and joined the North-End Mennonite Brethren Church. After two years of teaching, she married her sweetheart, Henry Born on July 26, 1945, whom she had met in
Reinland, Manitoba. In time, three daughters completed the family circle. Esther and Henry spent many years in South America and Europe, serving mostly in education and church growth. Later, they also served as pastor couple in many North American churches. In retirement, Esther pursued her passion for family genealogy and wrote several books about her family’s history, an interest that helped her during her grief when Henry passed away in 2002. Using the Internet she located long lost relatives and kept in touch with others all over the world. She also helped develop the archives of the Mennonite Historical Society. Music was an integral part of her life and she and Henry supported the Fraser Valley Symphony for many years. Besides family history, Esther loved family celebrations. She was so pleased to celebrate a non Birthday party for her 91st birthday a few days before cancer immobilized her. Left to cherish her memory are her three daughters: Julia (Ron) Toews, Naomi Born, Rebecca Born, 7 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren. Also remembering her are her siblings: Ed (Anne) Brandt, Herb (Anne) Brandt, Evelyn (Carl) Braun, Elsie (John) Braun, Victor (Margaret) Brandt, Allan (Elizabeth) Brandt, Ethel (Peter) Suderman, Gilbert (Susan) Brandt; two sisters-in-law, Rose Brandt and Ruby Brandt, and an uncle, Bill Thiessen. She is predeceased: by her husband, Henry Born, a grandson, a great granddaughter, a sister, and two brothers. A memorial service was held on Monday, March 24 at Bakerview Church, 2285 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mennonite Brethren Missions or the Mennonite Historical Society. Woodlawn Funeral Home 604-853-2643