RATZLAFF, Lydia
Lydia Ratzlaff was born June 11, 1912 in Deutsch Wymyschele, Poland. On June 1, 1935 she married Eric L. Ratzlaff. During the war the family was separated from their father. With the help of the Red Cross and Canadian relatives they were reunited in Germany and able to emigrate to Canada in 1948. After a few years in Alberta, the family moved to Abbotsford in 1951. Lydia managed the household and the family farm. From 1967 to 1979 Eric served as editor of the Mennonitische Rundschau in Winnipeg. For part of that time Lydia was able to help him in the Rundschau office. In February 1981, Eric and Lydia moved back to Abbotsford and became active members of the Clearbrook Mennonite Brethren Church. After Eric passed away in 1988, Lydia lived independently until moving into Tabor Home in 2007. After a few weeks of failing health, Lydia passed away on June 19, 2010 at Tabor Home. Lydia is predeceased by her parents, Franz and Anna Ratzlaff; her siblings Wilhelm Schroeder, Erhard Ratzlaff, Martha Witzke, Frieda Schroeder, Anna Foth, and Hedwig Schmidt. She leaves to mourn her children Richard (Elfrieda) Ratzlaff, Frank (Julie) Ratzlaff, Trudy (David) Galpin, Heinz (Edith) Ratzlaff, Leonard Ratzlaff, and Alice Ratzlaff; 13 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 2310 Clearbrook Rd, Abbotsford on Thursday, June 24 from 7 to 9 pm. Memorial Service will be held at Clearbrook MB Church, 2719 Clearbrook Rd, Abbotsford on Friday, June 25 at 11:00 am.
Woodlawn Funeral Home
604-853-2643
www.woodlawnfh-abbotsford.com