Sophia (Backer) Kershaw, age 103, went peacefully to her heavenly home on Monday, August 11, 2014, at the Herbert & District Integrated Health Facility. Sophia was born on January 23, 1911, at Rush Lake, SK to Peter & Sophia (Pelzer) Backer. She received her education at the Center Spring School. In October, 1926, the family moved to Rhineland, SK, and in 1927, they moved to the farm near Hochfeldt, SK (3 miles East of Rhineland). Sophia left for Vancouver, BC in the early 1930’s, where she met and married Joe Kershaw in 1945. After her beloved husband passed away in 1958, Sophia stayed in Vancouver for 8 more years. She then moved back to the farm to live with her sister, Emma, and her brothers, Herman and George. In 1974, they retired and sold the farm to their nephew, Harvey Seib, and moved to Swift Current. Sophia was living at the Bentley Seniors Complex until she suffered a stroke at the age of 101 years of age. She then moved to the Herbert & District Integrated Health Facility where she resided until her passing. Sophia was predeceased by her husband, Joe Kershaw; her entire family - her parents, Peter & Sophia Backer; her sisters, Mary, Lena and Emma; and her brothers, Jacob, Bill, George and Herman. She is survived by 11 nieces and nephews and their families. Sophia will be remembered for her unique sense of humor, kindness and generosity.
The Funeral Service was held on Thursday, August 28, 2014 at 2:00 pm from St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Swift Current, SK with Rev. Linda Hall officiating. The pianist for the service was Arlie Neufeld. “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” was sung by the congregation. Tributes were shared by Arnie Backer and Barb Simons with Herman Seib reading the obituary. Special music was brought by the Backer Family singing, “Precious Lord Take My Hand”. The ushers in the church were Bob Neufeld and Elmer Meyer. The Interment Service was held at the Peace Lutheran Cemetery, Prairie View, SK with the following serving as pallbearers, Mark Backer, Julie Backer, Nancy Backer, Doug Martens, Melissa Martens and Alden Seib. In memory of Sophia Kershaw, donations made to the Gideons International would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK. For further information or to leave a personal message of condolence on the family‘s obituary page, please go to swiftcurrentfuneralhome.com