Lydia Braun

Lydia Braun, age 91, went peacefully to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 18, 2018 with loved ones by her side at the Cypress Regional Hospital, Swift Current, SK. Lydia was born in Main Centre, SK on February 21, 1927 to David & Anna Block. She grew up on a farm in Main Centre and was taught how to work hard from an early age. When she was nine years old, her dad bought a tractor to pull the binder and built a box for her on the seat, so she could be strapped in and drive the tractor while her dad was on the binder making sheaves. There were always cows to milk and big gardens to plant, water, weed, hoe, and harvest in the fall.

Lydia attended school in Main Centre and later, went to Herbert Bible School for one year, followed by a second year at Briercrest Bible School. These two years were a special time in her life. Shortly after Bible School, Lydia met John Braun — they fell in love, and a courtship period followed. A year later, they were married on September 21, 1947. After spending the first winter in the Abbotsford, BC area, where John worked for a contractor, they moved back to Saskatchewan in the spring and started farming. They initially lived on a farm yard, a few years later they moved to old Main Centre, where they built a new house. Lydia’s parents were always there to help, and John worked together with his brother, Pete, for several years. Farm life could be tough, but she was willing to help where needed — on occasion, Lydia would drive tractor pulling the combine, or she and her sister, Leona, would unload grain from a large wagon into the grainery with shovels.

John & Lydia started their family and had three children — Wayne (November 1948), Angela (June 1953), and Michele (May 1962). In 1956, Lydia was baptized with John upon confession of her faith. They joined the Main Centre MB church where they continued to worship with their family. Lydia taught Sunday school, DVBS (which she thoroughly enjoyed), worked at West Bank Bible Camp as a cook, and was a member of the Ladies Aid. She loved singing with her sisters, Freida and Leona — when she was in school, they had amateur hour where they competed against the Janz boys, who later became the Janz Quartet. Over the years and until just recently, the three sisters spent a lot of time singing together, which was a very happy time in her life. She worked at the Co-op in Main Centre as a cashier during the last five years they lived there. In 1975, they moved to Swift Current around the same time the Co-op built a new grocery store in the Wheatland Mall — which, at the time, was the “new” mall. She transferred there and worked as a cashier for another eighteen years. Lydia met many friendly people while working there and at the age of 65, finally retired.

After retirement, she joined the Bridgeway Quilters, making quilts that were sent to MCC in Saskatoon, along with serving as their secretary treasurer. Lydia learned to crochet, over the years making many afghans for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In 2000, they moved into a senior’s condo. John suffered a stroke and from dementia, Lydia continued to look after him until March 2012, when he suffered several major strokes. She remained at the condo when John was moved to the Gull Lake Special Care Centre and later to the Meadows, visiting him regularly until his passing on January 28, 2018. In fall of 2015, Lydia moved to the Riverview Centre, where she lived until her passing. She enjoyed having her children and grandchildren stop in on their way through Swift Current to see her. The Lord was always by her side and singing remained a special part of her life throughout the years. John & Lydia celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in September 2017.

“Mom was a special person in our lives and we will miss her dearly, but we are glad she has now joined dad in heaven to be with the Lord only 49 days after his passing.”

Lydia was predeceased by her husband, John; her two great-grandchildren, twins Tegyn and Rylyn MacDonald in infancy; and by her parents, David & Anna Block. Lydia is survived by children, Wayne (Judith) Braun, Angela (Brian) Dunn, and Michele (Lyndon) Neustaeter; her seven grandchildren, Cameron (Lisa) Braun, Curtis (Lisa) Braun, Andrea  (Sean) Huculak, Vanessa (Paul) Hernandez, Justin (Sariah)  Pressacco, April (Dave) MacDonald, and Landon (Kristine) Neustaeter; her twelve great-grandchildren, Kristina, Natalie, Andrew, Ethan, Lucienne, Kathryn, Marcos, Nikolas, Aree, Lily, Caymus, and Axetin; her siblings, Frieda (Jake) Braun, Leona (Peter) Braun, Selma (Johnny) Redekop, Elsie (Daniel) Schindel, Dora (Roy) Wall, and Ernest (Lois) Block; and by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The Celebration of Life for Lydia Braun was held on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at 2:00 pm from Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Bob Cappelle officiating. “When We All Get to Heaven,” “Mansion Over the Hilltop,” “Until Then,” and “What a Day That Will Be” were sung by the congregation under the leadership of John Redekop, with Sheila Braun and Leanne McConnell serving as musicians. Special music was brought by Kerry & Sheila Braun and Leanne McConnell, who sang “Look for Me at Jesus Feet.” The eulogy was given by Wayne Braun, “Hallelujah” by Roy & Rosemary was played as a tribute.  The ushers in the church were Dallas Braun, Jack Epp, and Gerald Voth. The Private Interment Service was held prior to the Funeral Service from Memory Gardens Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with Lydia’s Grandchildren serving as Pallbearers.

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