HARDER, Susie
Susie Harder (nee Neufeld) peacefully slipped from her life of 97 years Thursday December 16, 2010 at the Menno Hospital in Abbotsford. Susie was born in Didsbury, Alberta, where she spent her childhood and early adult years. Susie grew up in a generous and caring family, whose values she carried into a life of concern for, and acceptance of others. In 1935 she married Gerhard (George) Harder and settled into a life of farming in Rosemary, Alberta. Here they raised their family of four sons. In 1965, a year after the death of her husband George, she moved with her youngest son Allen to Abbotsford to join other siblings and relatives living in the Fraser Valley. She was the last survivor of a family of twelve siblings. Susie is survived by her sons/spouses Len/Lydia (nee Braul), Don/Dolores (nee Loewen), Gary/Lydia (nee Neufeld), Allen/Elsiana (nee Hutabarat), 12 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
In 1965 Susie began work as a nursing assistant at the Menno Hospital, where she subsequently spent the last 18 months of her life. She contributed in many ways to her church community, but is most remembered for her welcoming and hosting of many visiting guests. In her retirement Susie's life remained full through volunteering at the Clearbrook Community Centre (now Garden Park Tower), travelling extensively throughout Canada and to Kenya, Paraguay, Germany and Indonesia, to visit with family members, and doting on her grand and great grand- children. Susie's unconditional love and acceptance applied without reservation to all of her extended family, generating many fond memories. We celebrate the life of grace, hospitality and serene beauty that Susie brought to all who had the privilege of having known her.
We thank the staff at the Menno Hospital for their concern and care to help Susie through the last year of her life. Funeral services are planned for January 7, 2011 at the Level Ground Mennonite Church.