Renate Eva Marie Meehan
September 23rd, 2020
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
Messages:
“There are so many things I want to say about grandma but do not know how to put them in words, so I apologize if this is a little bit all over the place. From before I was born, she played a huge role in my life. I remember my mom telling me how she was nervous to tell grandma about her pregnancy, but when she finally built up the courage, she more than supportive and excited. When I was younger grandma was one of the three incredibly strong and resilient women who played a role in raising me. I have so many memories of grandma but one that always stood out to me was one story that she would always tell me. It was her birthday and I was one years old. Everyone else was giving her presents, so I also wanted to give her something, I went digging in my toy box for something to give her and I ended up giving her one of my old shoes, she had that shoe sitting on her cupboard for most of my childhood. Whenever she would tell me this story, I saw her face light up with love for me and it make me so happy. Grandma was one of the funniest, caring, loving and sassiest women I know. If I was ever having a bad day I would love to go to grandmas because she would always have some sort of treats and church tapes to listen to. Despite everything that grandma went through in life she always found the good in the world and that was something I admired about her. She always had jokes wherever we would go, about the people and places that we saw. She was the person who taught me most of the swear words that I know and that makes me laugh a little because she would always tell me her favourite word was B.S. Even though she is gone now, I know that she is in a better place. Even though we can’t see her physically anymore I know she is watching over us all and smiling. If she was here right now, I know she would tell us all to stop crying and to have a beer for her instead. Throughout her life she has raised and played a part in raising most of us here today, and for that I thank her. Recently I have started feeling a sort of calm and loving energy surrounding me and I know that it is her beside me. She is much happier now with Jesus up there. She will forever be my grandma; we will forever cherish her and all of the memories that we have with her.” Love you grandma, you will be in my heart forever.
“I would like to say for grandma that the one thing I always remember is her giving heart She was very selfless. She would always spend her last dime to help someone in need. She would not only give her money but her time as well! Thank you, Grandma, for all you have done.”
“A woman of confidence, humour and charity! Grandma you will be missed! I see you dancing in your high heels in heaven! Love you!
“Grandma you were a ray of sunshine that brightened my life. You provided a welcoming place for me to run to. A place where sat in peace with one another, not expecting anything of each other, but truly just enjoying each other’s company. I will never forget seeing your face light up whenever I showed up for a visit. You were always one of my biggest cheerleaders. You loved me in a way that felt larger than life and that made me a better person. I will remember your stories, your advice, your wit, your humour and your feistiness. I will do my best to keep them alive in how I live my life. I am so grateful that you got to meet Walter. And you better believe I am going to tell him all about his great-grandma and the shenanigans she got herself into. Thank you for blessing me with your friendship. Thank you for blessing me with your love. Thank you for the hundred times that you made me laugh out loud.” You will be forever missed Grandma.
“Grandma – life is not the same without you. My heart feels broken, and no words can describe this ache. You saw me before anyone else and that created our special bond. That will live in my heart for all time. The best lesson that you left us with is your example of strength. Even in challenging times, especially toward the end of your journey here on this Earth, you face this world with faith and courage. Even when you could not communicate in a way that we understand your perseverance still shone through. In Matthew 5:16, it reads: “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” I keep trying to remind myself that you are in a better place. You are with Jesus singing praises and are filled with such love and peace. You truly were a special, special woman! You may have passed on, but your memories will always live on within us. Thank you for your sacrifices, your care and concern, your love and everything that you have done for me. Thank you for taking care of me and for all the memories and moments we shared. Thank you for teaching me and laughing with me. I love you so much Grandma. I love you more than you ever possibly knew. I will see you again and I know you will be waiting on me with open arms.” Love always and forever
I remember Rena well from my early years at Immanuel Assembly of God. My memory of Rena is her passionate zeal for serving God. Sending my deepest condolences to my friends Chris and Chris and to all who are experiencing this great lost. May you be comforted as you remember Rena's life well lived. May prayers are with you as you go through this time of mourning.
Our hearts are with the whole family and you are all in our prayers. Much Love
We have fond memories of our friend Rena whom we have known for over 20 years. We loved to visit her and Blaine as she was always so happy and cheerful and greeted us with a big hug. Of course our main topic of conversation was Israel. Rena loved Israel and lived and worked there for one year and visited 9 more times. She was a fervent supporter of Sidney and Linda Speakman's ministry and she and Blaine packed 70 pound suitcases of supplies which she cajoled anyone going to Israel to transport. She was always delighted when Glenn at the church allowed her to share about Israel. Rena had a generous heart and loved to give gifts. She loved to shop and find great deals and craft lovely items. We were lucky recipients of some of those crafts. Rena knew her Bible inside and out and it was well worn and marked. Woe betide the person who dared to misinterpret the Bible. She loved to talk about Jesus, her very best friend. She was not shy in sharing her faith with others and she loved to pray. The last few years she longed to go home and be with the Lord and her beloved Blaine. "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:30 Ron and Rene Hewitson, Red Deer