Obituary of Ann Cornelia Heppner-Hooge-Matthews

Ann born December 31, 1927 passed away peacefully in the presence of her children on Friday, June 22, 2012 at the Menno Home in Abbotsford, BC. Ann’s journey began as one of 8 children, 4 sons and 4 daughters in Grunthal, Manitoba. Her parents Cornelius and Maria came from Ekaterinoslav, Southern Ukraine to Canada in 1926. In February of 1930 they left Manitoba for Chilliwack, BC where they settled in Yarrow. Ann and her family grew up attending the Greendale Mennonite Brethren Church and it was there she met the Hooge family and fell in love with their eldest son Harry. They were married June 22, 1947 and had five children, Gloria, Allan, Grace, Carol and David. Ann and Harry raised their family in Maple Ridge enjoying many years in the community and attending Maple Ridge Baptist Church. Ann was passionate about music and expressed this throughout her life by singing and leading choirs with great joy. Ann’s first husband Harry passed away in January 1987. Almost three years later, Ann was blessed to meet Ron Matthews whom she married and enjoyed 12 years of happiness with in Salmon Arm and Mission before he passed away. Ann is predeceased by Harry her 1st husband and father of her children, Ron her 2nd husband, her eldest daughter Gloria, her daughter-in-law Norma and siblings Cornie, Ed and Pete. Ann is survived by her sons Allan Hooge (Jean) and David Hooge (Sharon), daughters Grace Howard (John) & Carol Warner (Peter), grandchildren Chris Hooge, Andrea Hooge (Steve), Ryan Hooge, Jennifer Howard, Joanna Howard, David Howard, Jacqueline Warner, Tyler Warner, Alyssa Hooge, Jaxson Hooge, Max Hooge and great granddaughter, Bijou da Cunha; siblings Henry (Erna), Mary (Cecil), S Betty, and Irene (Ernie); step-sons Barry and Allan. While Ann’s life took her through many experiences and to many beautiful places, her final journey has taken her into the arms of her Lord. Ann’s loving kindness and welcoming beautiful smile is a walk to remember and follow. A Memorial service to celebrate Ann’s life will be held on Wednesday, June 27th at 2:00pm at New Life Church, 35270 Delair Road, Abbotsford, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ann may be made to a charity of your choice.