Obituary of Tena Fast

On Friday morning, April 9, at the age of 95, at the age of 95, Tena Fast passed away, peacefully, at Linhaven Seniors Home. She left us while soft Christian music played in the background and a nurse prayed with her as she was taking her last breaths.

Tena was born in the Ukraine and came to Canada    with her parents at the age of 1. Her first years were spent in Saskatchewan. In 1941 the family moved to Ontario.

Tena was a hard worker. She worked on a farm, helped raise her brothers and sisters (which she often reminded us of), became a nanny for a time and after taking a design course in Toronto, worked at Calvert Furs for a number of years.

In 1989, Tena decided to earn her high school diploma and attended Shurpass School in Vancouver to complete her grade 12. She attended Grantham High School and the following year attended Hamilton Teacher’s College. Tena was a classroom and Special Education teacher for the Lincoln Board of Education from 1962-1986.

Many trips abroad were enjoyed by Tena, accompanied by various travelling companions. She travelled across Canada, to Hawaii, Europe, the Orient, Greece, Alaska, Scandinavia, Italy, France and Israel. She also attended various Bible Camps at Keswick, Boca Raton, Fairhavens and Camp Crossroads.

One of her greatest joys was the large family she was part of, Tena being the oldest of 10. She took great pleasure and interest in her siblings, their achievements and their families. Who of us does not remember a card being sent or an invitation to a wonderful, specially prepared meal?

Tena spent many hours volunteering at church functions, Tabor Manor, Camp Crossroads and the Benefit Shop.

She taught Sunday School most of her adult life, into her 70’s. She was a charter member of the Mennonite Brethren Church in St. Catharines.

Tena lived a life of faith. She read her Bible daily, often underlining significant verses. She demonstrated faith through her generosity, hospitality, her interest in her extended family, and in the care she gave to her parents at great sacrifice. To her family, she was a shining example of Christian character.

Tena was a much-loved sister, aunt and friend. She was a “Mom” to all of us. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Gerhard and Nettie Fast, brothers Aaron, George and John and sister-in-law Joan.

She is survived by sisters-in-law June and Kathie, brothers and sisters-in-law Henry and Marian, Walter and Leona, Peter and Loraine and sisters and brothers-in-law Helen and Grayson Paschke, Lydia and Ernie Koop, Hilda and Jim Rennie, as well as many nieces and nephews.

We would like to express our thanks to the care givers at Linhaven. They gave exemplary service in difficult times.

Due to Covid restrictions, a private family service will be held on Wednesday April 14, 2021 at 11am at Grantham Mennonite Brethren in St. Catharines. To view the livestream of the service please click on the following link   https://youtu.be/qnrXgY82WH4 at the time of the service.