Colleen Harder
Colleen Harder age 60, and a resident of Dryden Ontario, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 23, 2021 following several struggles with pneumonia.
Born in Clearbrook British Columbia to Frank and Helen Sawatzky on July 31, 1960, Colleen attended BCIT where she was certified as a registered nurse in 1983 and was married the same year. Over the next 22 years Colleen was employed by Abbotsford General and Sioux Lookout Zone hospitals, Pinecrest Home for the Aged, and the Community Care Access Centre here in Dryden. She liked being a nurse because she loved taking care of others. Colleen ended her working career in 2005 due to the effects of multiple sclerosis but continued helping others in various capacities until she was no longer able in 2018. Following her first hospitalization for pneumonia in 2019 she gained a new appreciation for Milt’s cooking. Sharing her love for Jesus at Dryden First Baptist Church, Longbow Bible Camp and the Dryden Food bank were some of her passions. Colleen loved going for walks and spending time with her children. She was a devoted wife, mother, and treasured friend, who will be forever missed.
Colleen is survived by her husband Milton Harder; children Laura, Andrew (Caroline), and Alyssa; mother Helen Sawatzky; siblings Priscilla (Russ) Reid, Gerald Sawatzky, Kathy Sawatzky, Sheila (Andy) McCausland, and Naomi (Geoff) Martens; numerous nephews and nieces whom she loved dearly; a loving church family; and a furry friend named Pebbles.
A Memorial Funeral Service will be held Monday April 12, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in Dryden First Baptist Church with Reverend Adam Hall officiating. The Service will be recorded/live streamed for online viewing as in person attendance is very limited.
Special thanks to the homecare staff, nurses, and workers who provided care in our home. Also many thanks to the staff at DRHC for their care and kindness on Colleens numerous visits, as well as friends and family who demonstrated their love for her throughout her illness.
Should friends so desire, donations can be made to MS Society or First Baptist Church through Stevens Funeral Homes, P.O. Box 412, Dryden P8N 2Z1. Condolences may be posted on Stevens Funeral Homes Facebook page or at www.stevensfuneralhomes.ca.
“One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.” Psalm 27:4
Masks are mandatory and social distancing will be observed, limited seating available.
