Anna Doerksen was born to Isaac and Mary Cornelsen in Meade, Kansas on September 13, 1920. She passed away suddenly at Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach on December 3, 2011. She lived through the Great Depression which affected her life long. Mom married Peter Doerksen, in Kansas on September 29, 1940. Mom and Dad moved to Canada and Mom then became a naturalized Canadian citizen. During Dad’s years of CO service they moved frequently. They settled in the Twin Creek/Blumenort area where they farmed until 1977. Mom remained very active as she farmed alongside Dad, gathering eggs and gardening. Mom was an avid quilter but due to macular degeneration she had to stop. Before her vision failed she managed to piece and stitch quilts for each child and grandchild. However, through this loss, she gained many new friends that were also coping with visual impairment when she joined the Steinbach VIP group. Some friends would read to her each week and others would offer transportation. Mom was absolutely proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. For a Christmas present each year she took the whole family to Camp Arnes. Mom and Dad travelled widely in North America, reconnecting with friends and family. Mom was lonely after Dad passed away. His companionship and love were greatly missed. She was determined to find friendship by being a friend. Over the years she has baked hundreds of pies for family, extended family, friends, grieving families and new members in the community. She did not talk much about her faith, but lived it loudly through her friendship and generosity. She was predeceased by her husband, Peter in 1998 and her daughter, Eleanor in 1990. Mourning her passing are her children, their spouses and their families; Monroe (Evangeline), Orville (Beverly), Ramona (Clifford Braun), Geralyn (Kenneth Reimer), (James and Maryanne Plett), 27 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her two sisters, Marie Doerksen and Helen Cornelsen, and two sisters-in-law Sibil Cornelsen and Katherine Doerksen. The funeral service for Anna Doerksen will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 8, 2011 at the Blumenort EMC Church, with interment at the Blumenort Cemetery. Viewing will be available prior to the service Viewing will also take place at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 7, 2011, followed by a devotional at 7:30 p.m.