Tribute

Johanna Luise Vogt was a beloved wife, mother, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend. Johanna (more often called Hanni or Hanna) was born on Nov 9, 1933 to Walter and Anna Unrau. Their family home was in Montauerweide, a small German town located in what was then known as East Prussia. Johanna was only 6 years old when WWII broke out and for the next several years, their family experienced many challenges and difficulties. They would often pray together, trusting that God would give them the strength to get through those terrible times.

When the war ended, Hanni’s mom was on her own with seven children. After many months of trying, they finally arrived in West Germany and were able to reunite with extended family. They stayed with an aunt & uncle until government housing became available. While Johanna recalled the housing as being “nothing more than prison barracks”, they were thankful for the support provided by the German government.

Six years later, and with God’s help, their family heard of the MCC and an opportunity to move to Canada for a better life. A Mennonite Brethren church in Chilliwack sponsored them and in January 1952, they arrived by boat in Halifax. From there they took a train to BC and Hanna found work in Vancouver. Their family stayed close together and attended the First Mennonite church in Vancouver. It was here that Hanni was baptized in her faith in Jesus. She loved the Lord and knew that He would always be with her.

Johanna met her husband, David Vogt at that church. They were married in May 1955 and together they raised five children: Dave Jr., Rosemary, Jenny, Mike and Christa. In the early years of their marriage, Hanni and Dave lived on 60^TH  Ave in South Vancouver. By 1970, that house had become too small for their growing family, so they bought a larger house nearby on Sherbrooke Street. They were now living across the street from their church – Sherbrooke Mennonite.

Johanna was a happy stay-at-home mom who did it all: cooking, baking, sewing, knitting, gardening, and taking care of family. She especially loved children and over the years, she happily cared for her grandchildren, the neighbour’s children, and international students that were far away from their own families. She also found time to volunteer at the daycare provided in the church basement, as well as the MCC thrift store on Fraser Street. On sunny days, Johanna would often ride her bike to the store, smiling as she recalled the hardship of those early years and the good life that God had given her.

As their children grew older, Hanni and Dave started to travel, taking cruises to Alaska and trips to Hawaii, Mexico and Europe. These were memorable times and Johanna was always grateful to the Lord for these opportunities – especially the trips that were shared with her sisters.

In 2000, Hanna and Dave moved to Walnut Grove and found their place at North Langley Community Church. For many years they enjoyed a happy retirement together: travelling, camping, puttering in the garden, and spending time with their grandkids. They continued to be active in the church joining the Sojourners, helping in the kitchen and with preparations for communion. Hanna particularly enjoyed volunteering in the nursery and children’s ministry.

Sadly, Johanna’s husband, Dave passed away from cancer in 2013. Hanni found strength in prayer, knowing that the Lord would be by her side. When it was time to sell the house and move on, Johanna found the perfect condo in Willoughby. It was close to family and North Langley Church, and it had everything she needed. She knew that God had answered her prayers.

Church was an integral part of Hanni’s life. She so enjoyed the seniors’ “55 plus” gatherings and the friends she made there. During COVID, she was especially grateful for the live stream services. If you were visiting Hanni on a Sunday afternoon, she would often reflect on something she heard in the sermon that morning. Her faith was strong and she loved to share God’s word.

At home, she continued to enjoy having family over and would often have supper made, or coffee and dessert ready to go. She became an enthusiastic puzzler, and her family loved buying new puzzles for her!

In 2020, Hanna was dealt a terrible blow when her eldest son, Dave died from leukemia. As always, she looked to God for strength and despite her grief, her faith did not waiver. Earlier this year, Johanna was hospitalized for a short while with some serious health issues. Johanna never feared dying and when she returned home from hospital, she would talk about how she was “getting closer to her place with God”. Once again, her prayers were answered and she passed away peacefully at home – just as she had hoped for.

Hanni’s children and grandchildren are grateful for the many happy times they shared with their mom or grandma. For decades, their family camped every summer at Lakeside in Oliver. In the early years, many Mennonite friends would also go to Lakeside. Together, they would share stories – and eat their fill of watermelon and rollkuchen!

The Vogts had a swimming pool at their house on Sherbrooke Street and it was such a great place for friends and family to gather on sunny weekends. Hanni had a way of making everyone feel welcome and there would always be coffee and cake ready for anyone that stopped by. Hanni’s family have particularly fond memories of her freshly baked zweiback, or buns – a highlight of any visit!

We thank the Lord for our time with Johanna Vogt. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.