Renate Eva Marie Meehan

On Wednesday, September 23, 2020, at the age of 87, Our beloved Mom and grandmother Rena died peacefully in her sleep.

Rena, was predeceased by an older brother, Johannes and both her parents, Erwin Adam Willi Matthia and Esther Elisabeth (Matthia, nee Muller).

Mom and her three siblings, Johannes, Brigitte and Jurgen, were born in Konigsberg East Prussia. During World War Two their city (Konigsberg) was targeted and wiped out. Over 3,000 people were killed, the family survived and were moved by trains to other locations.

Rena’s mother and the four children were reunited with their father who relocated the family first to Sachsen and finally the city of Erfurt in Thüringen.

Erwin there continue his ministry and pastored a church of about 500 people. The church was closed down because the congregants refused to become Communist party members. Church facilities including the private living quarters were confiscated without any renumeration.

The family was once again on the move. In 1952 they escaped by train via East Berlin, crossing over to West Berlin.

Rena went to England to study at a Bible college and became interested in Kindergarten work.

Rena immigrated to Canada in 1969 with her three children, Christiane, Deanna and Carmen to start the next chapter of her adventure’s life.

She passed on to her children Christiane and son-in law Chris Schollaardt, Deanna Stresow and Carmen Schrottner her sense of adventure and generous spirit and deep faith in God.

We remember her generosity, her feisty spirit, her charitable works, loyalty and love.

She was thrilled when her grandchildren were born and took great pride in all of them.

Jessica, William and Tiffany Schollaardt, Joshua, Rebecca and Joy Stresow, Natasha and Desiree Schrottner.

Her cup of blessing ran over when Great Grandchildren were born. Allyah (Natasha) and Logan (Desiree), Gunnar (Jessica), Lucas, Riley and Sarah (William) and Walter (Tiffany).

Rena loved to celebrate and would never have missed the last two big family events if she could have helped it. She was unable to attend her great granddaughters Allah’s wedding; however thankfully Allyah and Josh were able to visit Rena before her passing.

She was also able to meet and hold the youngest member of the family, little Walter (Tiffany and Thomas), before the Covid Lockdown.

Listed below is the family tree that she helped to create.

Christiane (Rena’s first born) married Chris Schollaardt – their first born – Jessica married Tyler Yachyshen – they have one son – Gunnar (8).

Their second born William married Jennifer and they have three children, Lucas (5), Riley (5) and Sarah (2).

Their third child is Tiffany who with her partner Thomas Geng have one son, Walter who is 10 months old.

Rena’s second child, Deanna Stresow has three children, Joshua, Rebecca and Joy.

Rena’s third child Carmen Schrottner has two girls, Natasha and Desiree.

Natasha and Dave have one daughter Allyah who is married to Josh Etsenake.

Desiree has one son Logan.

Due to Covid – her service is immediately family members only.

To honour Rena’s memory a tree was planted in Israel from her friends Ron and Rene Hewitson with love.

“I always had fun garage sailing with mom – she and I would make it a race to see who could get the best and the first bargain.

Our mom was so generous, often giving her last pennies to others in need or contributing them to occasions like birthdays and get-togethers.

Mom was always focused on giving. She worked two sometimes 3 jobs to keep us going as we were growing up. Any spare funds she had went to someone in greater need. She was sacrificing for others and was distraught if she didn’t have something to give to others.”

I love you Mom.

Your Carmen

“Mom – Grandma – you were always happy and smiling. You gave us a very loving household.

Your door was always open for a meal, a conversation or questions.

Your gift of giving – we all received that gift from you, Mom/Grandma. So now, we pass it on and give so that we can see that smile on someone else’s face.

Mom – I know that no matter what was happening – Jesus was always first in your life.”

We love you Mom/Grandma,

Your Deanna, Becky, Josh and Joy

“Mom – I am so thankful for the joy of life that you passed on to us. Your sacrifices – that we only recognized when we became parents ourselves. I thank you for loving our children and you taking the time to spend with each of them – they came home from your house with ‘treasures’ and treats – you could never deny them anything.

Chris was always happy to receive your phone calls during hockey games and hearing you say: “Are you watching the game – and who are we cheering for?”

Most of all – I thank you for the legacy of faith that you passed on to all of us; when all is said and done – that is the greatest gift – it is the gift of life.

Love you mama – see you in heaven – I know that you are looking out for us.

Your ‘Chrissy’

P.S. – I love the way you renamed all of us