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A song to die by

Lillian Giesbrecht

Some people are special in the area of merciful deeds. The Stobbe sisters fall into this category. All three were loved and respected employees at Kelowna General Hospital until their retirement some years back.

Annie, Mary and Gertrude Stobbe

During their working years, they also nursed their aged mother in their own home.

The church body, as well, was enriched by their generous monetary assistance and eager support. Hospitality became synonymous with their name, as they commonly hosted 12 around their large dining room table for a delicious dinner in their friendly apartment. They seemed to know exactly who needed that special invitation.

When, last year, one sister (Gertrude) died, the two remaining sisters, Mary and Annie, made up their minds to continue their lifestyle in spite of the loss of their sister and in spite of complications from aging. One of their recent projects of compassion was to frequently visit Anne, a severely handicapped Parkinson’s patient in the Kelowna extended care facility. It was their custom to bless her with good Mennonite food and stay to assist her with the meal, as well as to share their hugs and prayers with her.

One day, a nurse informed them in the corridor that Anne was dying and would not require food anymore. They were urged, however, to go to her. The nurse assured them that the last thing to go in a dying person is often the hearing. With that in mind, they decided to sing to her. The first song they thought of and to which they knew all the stanzas was a German song, “Going to the Father’s House”. Holding her clammy hands, they added the song, “When we all get to heaven”. “The Lord seemed to drop the words into our minds,” Annie says. Midway through this song, Anne’s spirit slipped away.

The sisters were tearfully moved by God’s special orchestration of time. They feel encouraged to carry on in their merciful activities, never knowing how God may use them. They add, “There is too much joy in caring to stop.”

Lillian Giesbrecht lives in Kelowna, B.C.

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Last modified January 9, 2002.

© 2002 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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