Obituary of Agatha Peters

A service honoring Mom will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at the Mitchell Gospel Church.  Please join the family as we say goodbye to a very special lady.

It is with deepest sorrow that we share the passing of our Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, sister and friend, Agatha, at Bethesda Regional Health Centre in Steinbach, MB, with her family at her side.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Darlene, Ken (June), Edie (Ron), Sharon (Mike), Eileen (Warren) and Michael (Karina); Along with grandchildren: Jonathon, Missy, Cole (Amy), Holly (Jon), Kelsey (Chelsi), Mitchel (Jen), Kyle (Sara), Lauren (Brendan), Tanner (Cara), Delphi, Jordan, Dagny, and Dena; fifteen great-grandchildren; brother Pete Reimer and sister Lena Penner.  Brothers-in-law Bill (Sue), Edwin (Ester), Abe (Marie) sister-in-law Tina, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Agatha is predeceased by her best friend and husband Ike (2021) as well as parents, Abe & Annie Reimer; her siblings Kay, Anne, Abe, Dietrich, Mary, Elizabeth and Dickie; parents-in-law, Jacob & Elizabeth Peters; in-laws Mary, Wally, Dennis, Fred, Peter, Nettie, Elizabeth and Peter.

Agatha was born to Abe and Annie Reimer on May 24, 1939, in Grunthal, Manitoba. As one of 10 children Mom left school in grade seven to help her Mom living with MS and assist with her younger siblings. A strong work ethic and a never give up attitude were instilled in her at a young age.

While working at Loewen Windows in Steinbach, Mom met the love of her life Isaac Peters. Ike and Agatha were married in Reinland on August 24, 1958. Together they raised four daughters and two sons. They were blessed with a large extended family. She was a loving and kind wife, Mom, Grandma, Auntie and friend.

As a young wife and mother, Mom sewed gloves and babysat the neighbourhood children to supplement Dad’s income. As the kids grew older Mom worked outside the home at A & W, Grow Sir and ran our Drive-In Dandee. In 1978 Mom and Dad moved to Gladstone where they owned and operated the Macleod’s store for four years.

In 1981 at the age of 42 she returned to school and obtained her health care aide certificate.  Upon returning to Steinbach in 1982 she began a long and dedicated career at Bethesda Regional Health Centre until her retirement. Of course, never one to sit still, she remained on the casual list for years after that as she always found it difficult to say “no”.  Mom was always a caregiver to everyone around her which is probably why a health care aide position suited her. 

In her earlier years somehow while looking after Dad and the children Mom found time to be an active member of the Kinette Club, curled and bowled. After retirement she was a member of the Mitchell Seniors Centre where she cooked many breakfasts. She always had time to support her friends.

There are so many things Mom will be remembered for:

She was an avid knitter and talented seamstress until her hands no longer allowed.  From outfitting her six young children in homemade clothes, sewing many a grad gown or wedding dress or knitting sweaters and slippers for grandchildren, she got joy in seeing her creations worn. 

She loved her garden and planted her own garden every year without fail, until this last year. Her garden and flowers brought her great joy. If there were vegetables to do up or fruit to can, she would always find a way of canning, freezing, baking a pie, or making an awesome homemade soup. 

Coming home from school to be greeted by her fresh baked buns is a fond memory. She enjoyed baking and watching all of us devouring the food that she made. Her kids and grandkids alike were known to “fight” over her baking. She knew everyone’s favorites and always had them on hand.

She had six kids but there were many more who liked to call her “Mom”. She made everyone who came to the house feel welcome.

Mom could fix anything.  She always had a way to tape, glue, sew or jerry rig whatever we needed fixed.

Wine making was another one of her hidden talents.  At family gatherings her children and grandchildren could always count on homemade wine gracing the dinner table. 

Mom enjoyed playing cards and dominos.  Her favorite partners, Ike, Lori, Anne and Fred, have been waiting patiently for her to join them for another game of PIC.  

She loved watching old reruns of family themed shows like The Little House on the Prairie, The Waltons, the Littlest Hobo, Disney classics and Hudson & Rex.

She was tireless in her efforts to keep home and life balanced and never let her health interfere……until it did.

The family wishes to express appreciation and gratitude for all the prayers, words of encouragement and expressions of sympathy received from family and friends.

A service honoring Mom will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at the Mitchell Gospel Church.  Please join the family as we say goodbye to a very special lady.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba or Southern Health-Santé Sud (In memo line: CancerCare Steinbach).