PATRICIA JEAN (PAT) POSTMAN went to be with her Saviour at the age of 71 years at the St. Michael's Health Center, one day after celebrating her birthday surrounded by many of her loved ones. Pat is survived by her daughter, Carmen (Robert) Bogress of Ladner, BC, son Keanan (Glenda) Postman of Lethbridge, AB, five grandchildren; Carley, Jordan & Madison Bogress, Cassidy (Stuart) Mitchell, and Noah Postman. Pat is also survived by her mother Johanna Konynenbelt, brother Ron (Tina) Konynenbelt, sisters Sharon (Clint) VanderWoude, Carol (Ron) Haveman, Cindy (Derrick) Bruin, Glenda (Walter) Dunnewold and sister in law Paulette Konynenbelt as well as many nieces and nephews. Pat was predeceased by her husband, Tony, her brother Randy Konynenbelt and an infant granddaughter Eden Grace Postman.
Pat was born on November 11, 1945 in Lethbridge to Joe and Johanna Konynenbelt of Nobleford, AB. She attended elementary and high school at Noble Central School and then went on to study at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, graduating with an English degree. Pat and Tony Postman were married in August of 1966 and Pat assumed the life of a farmer's wife. Devoting her life to God, her husband, her children and grandchildren, she also spent countless hours throughout her life volunteering for many different ministries and causes. Habitat for Humanity, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, International Student Ministries, Japanese Homestay Committee, Refugee Sponsorship and the Lethbridge Immigration Settlement Association. She had a heart for the world at our doorstep.
Pat was also an extraordinary pianist. She gave piano lessons to her grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many other students who later went on to be accomplished musicians. She accompanied choirs, quartets, festivals and was asked to play for numerous weddings, funerals and church events throughout her lifetime. She was an active organist and pianist as well as serving on worship teams at the churches she attended. Pat always said that when she gets to heaven she wants to learn to play every different instrument and sing the Messiah chorus with the heavenly choir.
Pat and Tony loved to travel and experience new cultures and adventures. They visited almost every continent, serving in many of them in mission work. They were avid travelers, and loved to get in the car and drive long distances. Up until her disease physically stopped her, she made many trips to Vancouver to see her daughter and other relatives and always enjoyed catching up with her many friends along the way. Instead of gifts, they often took our families on outings and trips to experience little glimpses of life in another part of the world.
Pat always loved spending time with her children and grandkids. She cheered on whatever activities and interests were pursued. She rarely missed a concert or art show. She was an avid baseball fan, travelling all across the country to see games. She poured herself out for those she loved.
Pat will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her. The people she knew spanned many countries, continents, faiths and ages. Above all, her goal in life was to share the love of Jesus to everyone she met. She battled ALS courageously, sharing the love of Christ even when her voice was weakening. Pat finished the race well, with great faith and great love.
The family would like to thank the ALS Society of Alberta as well as the doctors and staff at St. Michael's for the care and assistance they gave Pat as she bravely battled her disease.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Pat's life will be held at the EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH OF LETHBRIDGE - Highway #4, just East of the 43rd Street Intersection, on Friday, November 18th, 2016 at 1:00 P.M.
Jennie (Havinga) Cherniwchan, November 21, 2016
Krista Hedivan, November 18, 2016
Yao Xue, November 18, 2016
Gisella Suescum, November 17, 2016
Sandy Tolsma (Aardema), November 17, 2016
Nadine obara, November 16, 2016
Sean Giles, November 16, 2016
Gwen & Marv Warkentin, November 16, 2016
Heather Deimuth, November 16, 2016
Phoebe Au Huei Ling, November 16, 2016
Sheree Obbagy, November 15, 2016
Elaine Sorgard, November 15, 2016