Toni Peters

Toni Peters

August 14, 1924 – March 1, 2022

Toni Peters (nee Antonia Reimer), our loving Mother passed away Mar 01, 2022, at the age of 97.  She is remembered by her children Ruth, Lyn (Larry) Defehr, Ernie (Colleen) Peters, Edi (Steve) Nelson, Wally (Cynthia) Peters, six grandchildren; Amanda (Ryan) Garand, Aaron Peters, Kyle (Samantha) Nelson, Kris Nelson, Lukas (Lara Rae) Peters, Chelsey (Cameron) Elliott and nine great-grandchildren.

Toni was born on August 14, 1924 to Emma and Jacob Reimer in Ukraine, immigrating to Canada as a two year old via Mexico in 1926.  Toni lived with her parents and one brother, John in Nelson B.C.  and then later moved to Creston and Aldergrove, BC, where she attended school.  She graduated from Bible School in 1945.  This also a turning point in her life, as she accepted Jesus as her Saviour, was baptized, and joined the Mennonite Brethren Church.  Toni by this time had met the love of her life Fred Peters. They were married on August 5, 1945.

They honeymooned at Butchart Gardens, staying right next to the grounds in a cottage owned by a friend, one of the gardeners.  Once the visitors had left for the day, they had the gardens to themselves.  Fred would row her about the lake, under their private BC moon.  The family visited the Gardens with Fred and Toni, for their 50th wedding anniversary.

Fred was called to serve the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) in Europe for two years after WWII. Toni made her home again on the old homestead where her first daughter was born.  When Fred returned to Canada, they built their own home on an acreage, southeast of Abbotsford, BC. Four more children joined the family.  After an attempt at farming, Fred went to work for the Employment Service.

Once all the children were in school, Toni worked as a Teacher’s Aide at the Good Shepherd School in Clearbrook, BC.  She led the children in woodworking and choir lessons.  Mom was a lot of fun; joining us in baseball games, roller-skating, teaching us to bake, sew, knit and pick berries.  Not only was Mom quite the seamstress, knitter and baker, but also a very proficient gardener; fruit trees, berry bushes and vegetables providing preserves well into the winter.  She had a quick sense of humour…we will miss her laugh.

Then came a great change in her life.  MCC  Saskatchewan needed a director for the province.  The family moved to Saskatoon in 1967 for Fred to lead MCC Saskatchewan.  Toni was instrumental in establishing the MCC’s handicraft store.  After fourteen years of this rewarding work in Saskatoon, the world called to them.  They  started out in Bangladesh, then went to Nepal for three years, working as the host couple in a Missions guest house.  They also worked for two years at MCC headquarters in Akron, Pennsylvania.  For several years they also volunteered with Mennonite Disaster Services in the US.  Many friendships resulted from these involvements.  God was so good and gave them a very meaningful life.  

Back in Saskatoon, Toni and Fred spent many happy years on Berini Drive, right next door to their Forest Grove Community Church.  Their last years were spent at Circle Drive Place, meeting many wonderful neighbours and friends.  Toni loved to entertain with her baking, cooking and gracious hospitality.  She thoroughly enjoyed her years there; being in such a caring community was a blessing.

The last few months saw Toni’s health decline. She was quite prepared and willing to go home to Jesus, and once again be reunited with her love, Fred.

A Memorial Service for Toni will be held at Dalmeny Funeral Home, 139-3^rd Street, Dalmeny, SK., on Friday, March 11, 2022 at 2:00 pm.  Refreshments to follow.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  Please observe Covid protocols.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to MCC Canada.

Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.