Obituary of Irene Elizabeth Sunderwald

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Irene Elizabeth Sunderwald passed away peacefully the evening of February 13th, 2024 in St. Pierre Hospital, Manitoba at the age of 86, after a brief illness of pneumonia.

Irene was born on January 8th, 1938, in Provost, Alberta, Canada to Alvena (Feldcamp) and John Walters.

She was preceded in death by her five siblings Albert, Walt, Ella, Art, Margaret (Retzloff) and her two brothers Robert and Alec Walters.

Irene will be deeply missed by her husband of almost 57 years, Reverend Dr. Hartmut Sunderwald and her four children (and spouses) Deanna (Gregory), Scott (Daralee), Delanie (Maximilian), Dorina (Dion) and her 11 grandchildren (and spouses/partner) Connor (Melissa), Larissa (Tanner), Lauren (Nicos), Jane, Joshua, David, Sage, Lance, Joel, Theodore, Francesca, Finlay and her three great-grandchildren Bowen, Millie, and Clark. As well as her many other relatives and friends who meant the world to her.

All who knew her will remember a woman of supernatural kindness and unconditional love. A beautiful soul.

Mom was so accepting of everyone. In this world of division Mom always chose the path of love. She had grace for all people regardless of their brokenness or their many faults. She had a soul that you immediately trusted. The more messed up you were, the more you needed to talk to Mom. She counseled countless people and always left them feeling worthy and valued. She recognized those special gifts in you and drew them out to make you a better person. She believed in you! She sought no glory or recognition for herself. A woman of humility, dignity, and grace.

Mom traveled the world and together with our dad she reached out to people across Europe, North America, Central America, and Micronesia while working for Teach Beyond (formerly Janz Team) and Liebenzell Mission. She loved warm beaches, sunshine, mountains, and beautiful views. We wonder what beauty she is seeing now? Free from all pain.

Mom was a woman of deep faith in God. Already, as a little child she sought to be a light in a dark world. Who could have foreseen that a poor little prairie girl from Provost Alberta would burn so brightly?

We will miss her so much. We long to be reunited again some day.

Please drop in for Kaffeetrinken on Sunday February 18th, 2024 at Niverville Community Fellowship,  85 2 Street S, Niverville, MB from 2-4 pm as friends and family gather to remember Irene.

If you would like, donations in her honor can be made to:
Teach Beyond  or Liebenzell Mission