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July 3, 1929 - October 22, 2021
Tina (Heinrichs) McMillan passed away peacefully at home with family by her side. She was listening to one of her favourite gospel hymns, 'Nearer my God to Thee', as she entered into the presence of her Lord and Saviour."
Tina Irene Wiens was born in Hague, Saskatchewan, the 4th of 9 children born to John and Elizabeth Wiens. Four brothers and 3 sisters have predeceased her and she leaves behind one brother, Ray Wiens.
Tina married Ruben Heinrichs when she was 21 and their family quickly grew as they welcomed 7 children. The family lived in the lower mainland and Manitoba before moving to Barriere in the early sixties. Tina was devoted to her family and worked tirelessly for them. In the summer there was a huge garden, an annual trip to the Okanagan for boxes of fruit, picking local wild berries like saskatoons and huckleberries, strawberries and raspberries from the coast. This called for lots of canning. In the fall there were chickens and pigs to process. Tina carded wool to make blankets and was famous for her home-made bread and raised doughnuts. Amazingly this was all accomplished without running water or electricity.
Tina was suddenly left a widow at age 42 when Ruben was tragically killed in a logging accident. She then went to work to support her family, which included piling lumber in a sawmill, tree planting, foster parenting, selling Avon and Tupperware, and later as a Home Support Worker. Life for Mom was never easy but she never complained and rarely asked for help. Those who knew her know how fiercely independent she was.
Tina always found time to volunteer over the years, and as recently as early October could be found in the toy section at Penny Pincher. She was there twice a week for almost 24 years. It was really hard when Covid hit because she couldn't attend church, play Bingo with her friends or volunteer. When Penny Pincher reopened she was right there, doing what she loved, working with the toys. She was double vaccinated but Covid didn't scare her, loneliness did. What she missed most were visits with family and friends. Before Covid Mom had started the once-a-month family dinner with 2 of her daughters and a granddaughter who lived nearby. They would take turns hosting and would always keep a spot for the unexpected guest. The surprise guest could include someone flying in from another province or driving a distance from other parts of BC to arrive in time for the Friday night dinner. It was always great fun.
Tina will be deeply missed by her children, Calvin (Reida), Colleen (Aron), Sharon (Leon), Valerie (Dave), Eugene (Josette), Gordon (Elizabeth), Charlene (Bruce), 20 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, and many friends and relatives. Tina was predeceased by her husband Ruben Heinrichs, her 2nd husband Barry McMillan, and one granddaughter, Darcey.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 5, 3 o'clock at Town + Field Church in Langley.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Langley Memorial Hospital Auxiliary in Tina's memory.

Service Details

Celebration of Life
Friday, November 5, 2021
3:00 PM
Town + Field Church at 20719 48 Ave, Langley, BC V3A 3L7


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