Gently and peacefully, in the early morning of May 16, 2009, Elma Peters was called to her heavenly home by her saviour Jesus Christ. Mom passed away in the arms of her loving husband at her residence after a brief struggle with cancer. She reached the age of 76 years, 1 month and 15 days. She is survived by her husband Neil Peters, and their eight children, twenty grandchildren and four great grandchildren – Marilyn (Menno) Rempel, Ryan, Tara (David), Anika; Shirley Schroeder, Chris (Leah), Sherisse (Gary), Katie & Cody, Nicole; Jim (Sharon) Jonna, Neil & Owen; Debra (Allan) Reimer, Jocelyn (Josh), Judah, Eric & Geoffrey, Lorraine (Jake) Wiebe, Jodie (Mark), Justin (Robynn); Clifford (Kim), Victoria, Alexandra & Danielle; Randall (Ang); Ramona (Trevor), Tyrel, James, Olivia, Sophia. Also left to cherish her memory are two sisters: Susan (Frank) Isaac and Erna (Ben) Unger and Neil’s brothers and sisters. Mom was predeceased by one son-in-law, one grandson, and one great grandson, as well as her eldest sister Mary. Elma was born on March 30, 1933 to Peter & Susanna Toews. She grew up and attended school at Shakespeare, Manitoba. In her mid teens she and Dad discovered each other while hoeing beets. This began a life long romance and they were married on July 26, 1952 and were blessed with 56 wonderful years. After several jobs and moves Mom and Dad bought her parents’ farm in 1955. They raised their family and enjoyed farming there until 1985 when Jim purchased the family farm and Mom and Dad moved to another farm a few miles away. In 2001 they moved to their home in Steinbach. Mom was baptized upon confession of her faith in the spring of 1952 and was a faithful member of the Silberfeld CMC Church. She volunteered in many capacities there as well as at the MCC Thrift store, Fernwood Place, and she regularly went to sing at the Rest Haven Nursing Home. She gave selflessly to her children and grandchildren and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. The family sincerely thanks the staff at Bethesda and St. Boniface Hospitals, as well as the home care nurses and aids. A special thanks to Debbie Krahn, palliative care nurse, for her kindness and excellent care for Mom at home. Visitation will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, May 19 at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chortitzer Mennonite Church, 479 Hanover St, Steinbach with interment at the Silberfeld CMC Cemetery. If friends so desire donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee, 134 Plaza Drive; Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9