Katharine Letkemann

Obituary of Katharine Letkemann

Katharine Letkemann (nee Pankratz)


1928-2022


So blessed were we to have our mother, Katharine Letkemann, have almost 93 years of good health and great memories to share. Born on December 18, 1928 in Orlov, Kherson, Ukraine, to Nicholas and Katharine (Klassen) Pankratz, mom came to Canada as an infant. The family arrived in Petersfield Manitoba, eventually residing in Roblin, Manitoba.

In 1946, the family moved to Ontario – the land of milk and honey! Mom was quick to get a job at Lightning Fastener. Mom attended St. Catharines United Mennonite Church and was baptized on May 30, 1948. Mom married the love of her life, Peter Letkemann on June 11, 1949. In 1960, Pete and Kay welcomed their first daughter, Ruth Louise, followed by Elinore Katharine in 1962. Mom stayed at home with the girls until she decided to go back to work part-time at the T. Eaton Company, where she stayed until her retirement in 1993. Mom’s greatest loss was that of her dear husband, our father, Peter, on September 9, 1981. He had filled our home with laughter, wisdom and care. Mom learned to channel her grief through new found independence – moving from the family home on LaSalle Dr., to her “condo” on Vine Street; volunteering at the Christian Benefit Shop; enjoying travelling with friends or family; moving again to a senior apartment in St. Catharines, all the while, staying involved in her church.

Mom enjoyed good health into her 90’s, and followed her self-proclaimed motto, “Count your Blessings!” It was during Covid that we started to see mom’s health begin to change. The isolation of Covid did not help. Slowly, this last year brought more health challenges, and, ever-faithful mom, changed her motto to “One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus!” With the heaviest of hearts, we bid farewell to mom on September 22, 2022.

She leaves behind her daughters Ruth (Ted) Ens; and Elinore (Stuart) Thorburn. Her Grandchildren; Stephanie (Wes) Juszku; Michelle Ens; Daniel (Olivia) Ens; Nicholas Thorburn; Victoria Thorburn. Her Great-Grandchildren; Gabrielle, Daxton, Kinley, & Lincoln Juszku; Henry, Charlotte, and Delilah Ens; Her brother Nick (Elsie) Pankratz; her sisters-in-law Helen Letkemann; Ann Sargant; and Jessie Enns. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Pre-deceased by her husband Peter; her sisters Mary Harder and Helen Harder; Her brothers-in-law Erwin Harder; Alfred Harder; Leo Enns; Abe Letkemann; and William “Sarge” Sargant and her nephew, Douglas Letkemann.

We would like to thank all the people that took time over the years to be a part of mom’s life. She valued your visits, especially recently. As per mom’s wishes, an intimate family service will be held. No flowers are necessary, however a donation to MCC (Mennonite Central Committee) in mom’s memory would be greatly appreciated.


Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your blessings, see what God has done! Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your many blessings, see what God has done.

A Memorial Tree was planted for Katharine
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Tallman Funeral Homes - Vineland
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