Tribute

Nettie Wall late of Abbotsford, BC passed away in her 99th  year on October 8th, 2025 at Menno Hospital in Abbotsford. She is survived by her sons, Jim of Kamloops, Ben (Cheryl) of Abbotsford, Ed (Kathy) of Rocky Mt. House, AB, and Tim (Doreen) of Chilliwack; her last surviving sibling, Sue Schroeder, of Surrey, nine grandchildren , seven great-grandchildren, as well as extended family members and friends.

Nettie was born on July 24th, 1927 in Halbstadt, Manitoba, to Peter and Maria Sawatzky. She was the eighth of fourteen children. Her father owned a general store and Post Office in their village.

In 1945 when Nettie was 18, the Sawatzkys moved to BC with their 5 youngest children. Nettie met Ben Wall when roller skating in Sumas, Washington with friends. They began dating and were married on June 6th, 1948.

Ben had built a two room cabin on uncleared property he owned on Lefeuvre Rd. They began farming chickens and cattle. Jim was born in 1949, and eventually the family grew to four more sons, Ben Jr.,  John,  Ed and Tim.

Ben and Nettie were active members of West Abbotsford Mennonite Church. In 1969 they were called to serve as deacons, in which capacity they served for several years. Nettie was also involved in numerous other areas of service in the church.

In the early 1970’s they moved to a small farm on McKenzie Rd. in Abbotsford where they started growing raspberries. About the same time, they, together with four other families formed The Bread of Life Community. The Community was active in prison ministry as well as other outreaches, including crises line.

Church life and farming kept them busy, but when they could get away they often travelled to Manitoba and Saskatchewan to visit relatives, Every summer they participated in the Wall Fishing Derby at Loon Lake. Other travels included trips to Alaska, Israel, Africa, and visiting Nettie’s relatives in Paraguay. They also attended a Youth with a Mission Seminar in Kona, Hawaii which included an outreach trip to Hong Kong.

When the Bread of Life Community disbanded Ben and Nettie attended Prairie Chapel where they served in various capacities. During this time, Nettie also sewed quilts for MCC and made blankets for Helping Hands Charity.

Nettie was predeceased by her son John in 2003, and her husband Ben in 2007.  Eventually she moved to Menno Terrace Independent Living, then to Tabor Manor Assisted Living and then to Menno Hospital. Nettie passed away peacefully on October 8.   She will be fondly remembered by her family and friends .