Justina Carter, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, passed away on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at the age of 91 years.

Justina was born to Isaac and Aganetha Klassen on December 9, 1930, in Chihuahua, Mexico. When she was 9 years old her family moved back to Manitoba, Canada, and some years later the family moved to La Crete, AB.

At 9 years old she witnessed the tragic death of her sister when a vise in the shop fell on her head. Justina would often talk about this trauma and how Jesus sent a sign in the sky a few days after the funeral to comfort the family.

In La Crete, she and her sisters, Aganetha and Susana, bought land together and farmed it. They were known in the community as the “3 Klassen sisters”. To bring in extra money she went to High Level, AB, and worked as a waitress. She recounted many fond memories of this time.

The 3 sisters adopted 2 girls and Justina ended up marrying their grandfather, Ivan Carter in 1970. A few years later she and Ivan sold all their assets up North and moved to Adams Lake, BC, where they bought a house on the lake. This is where they made their home until Ivan’s passing in 2006.

After Ivan passed, Justina decided to sell her home and move to Cleardale, AB, where she rejoined the Old Colony Church and connected with her nieces and nephews. She lived in Cleardale until fall of 2019 when she needed more care because of her failing health. She was determined to never move back to La Crete, so some of the family moved her into Mackenzie Place in Grande Prairie, AB, where she was closer to them, and they could help take care of her.

In her last days, as her mobility declined and she wasn’t able to walk, Justina cherished visitors, reading the Mennonitische Post, and receiving fresh flowers or a meal.

She leaves behind her sisters in-law Tina Klassen and Helena Klassen, and many extended family.

Justina was predeceased by her husband Ivan Carter, parents, all 13 siblings, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Funeral Service will be held at Cleardale Old Colony Church as per Justina’s wishes.