Eastview Place honours two residents’ 100th birthdays
Eastview Place in Altona recently celebrated a special occasion: the 100th birthdays of two of its cherished residents, Katie Krahn and Nettie Neufeld. These remarkable women, born in 1925, have each lived a century filled with love, dedication, and resilience.
Both ladies were born in the middle of “The Roaring Twenties,” which was known as a time of economic prosperity. Wages were increasing, and there was a growing demand for Canadian goods. Railways were still the preferred mode of transportation for long distances, but the popularity of private automobiles was increasing. Women’s fashion was dominated by the “flapper” look, which included bobbed hair, hemlines above the knees, and silk stockings. It was the dawn of equality, as New Brunswick had its first female candidate for MP.
Krahn was born on New Year’s Day, 1925, in Plum Coulee. Growing up in a large family, she learned the value of hard work early on. She completed her Grade 4 education and met her future husband, Benno Krahn, in the church choir. They were married on October 26, 1950, and had four children, three daughters and one son.
Krahn’s life has been a story of hard work and devotion. Along with tending to her busy household, she worked at the CVO Oil Refinery, an egg hatchery, and the Altona Hospital sterilizing medical equipment.
Service to her family and faith has always been a priority for Krahn. She taught Sunday school, helped at MCC, and was active in her church’s ladies’ group. She also enjoyed canning, baking, sewing, and embroidery.
A good sense of humour wove it all together. When asked about her childhood interests, Krahn replied with a smile, “Everything messy.”
Today, she has six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren and wishes for them to always remember how much she loves them.
Reflecting on her life, Krahn says she’s had a good one, attributing her longevity to simply working hard.
“Work for the night is coming,” she said, quoting a hymn. Her faith has been a guiding force, and she hopes her family will follow her example.
“That’s very important to me,” she emphasized.
Photos by Lori Penner/Voice
Eastview Place residents Katie Krahn (left) and Nettie Neufeld (right) last week celebrated their 100th birthdays. Krahn was born on Jan. 1, 1925 while Neufeld was born on Jan. 29
Neufeld, born on Jan. 29, 1925, grew up on a farm in the Gretna/Halbstadt area with her four siblings.
She fondly recalls spending many happy days playing with the dogs and cats. Nettie completed her Grade 12 and went to Normal School in Winnipeg to train as a teacher.
She met a handsome young man named Abe Neufeld at Bible College, and they were married on Aug. 25, 1951, in Rosenfeld.
“I loved him very much,” Neufeld said.
The couple had three children: one girl and two boys. After their kids grew older, Neufeld returned to teaching. Her husband was a pastor, and the family lived in various communities in B.C., Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
“That was difficult sometimes,” she recalled. “My husband was very busy and was away a lot.”
Neufeld taught music in Saskatchewan and ESL in Steinbach. She was actively involved in church activities and conducted choirs. She is currently affiliated with the Altona Bergthaler Church, where her son is a pastor. She proudly notes, “I was a teacher, and my daughter was a teacher. My husband was a preacher, and our two sons are preachers.”
Neufeld is surprised to have reached the age of 100 and attributes her long life to simply living well and enjoying herself. Teaching music was one of her passions.
“I loved singing and conducting,” she shared.
Her children describe Neufeld as someone who always has a song in her head and is quick to start singing it. Her philosophy of life is captured in one of her favorite songs: “Count your blessings.”
“My faith is also very important to me. I want all my children and grandchildren to know Jesus,” Neufeld said.
The celebration at Eastview Place was a heartfelt tribute to both of these centenarians, honouring their rich histories and the lives they’ve touched. There was singing, and there was cake. There were hugs and smiles, and memories shared.
Their stories are not just a reflection of the past century but also an inspiration to future generations. Their unwavering faith, commitment to family, and love for their communities serve as a testament to the remarkable impact one can have over a lifetime.
