Frieda HIEBERT

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HIEBERT: Frieda Hiebert, nee Pries, was born July 3, 1935 to David and Susanna (Kroeger) Pries, the seventh of eight children. Her growing up years were spent on her parents' farm. Her education was earned, first at Dalton School, a tiny country school just two miles from their home, laterGr. 6-11 in Alexander and Grade 12 in Winkler, Manitoba. She also studied at Winkler Bible School. As a teenager, with the guidance of her oldest sister, she made a commitment to follow God and to walk in His path. Her faith and trust in God was evident until the end of her life, as she continued to express that "God is sovereign." She was baptized on the confession of her faith and joined the Griswold, Manitoba Church in 1951. On July 7, 1956 Frieda married John Hiebert. Their lives would be changed in a big and joyful way when Jim came into John and Frieda's family in June of 1965. A new chapter had begun and Frieda became a loving and diligent mother, always ensuring that Jim was provided a secure environment and a Christian home in which to grow and mature. Jim was involved in the family farming business from a young age right up to the present. Jim and Bernice were married in 1996. Frieda and John welcomed Bernice and her daughters, Des and Jackie into the family. Two sons were born, Wyatt in 1998 and Luke in 2000 to make thisfamily unit complete. Frieda and John farmed together all of their marriedlife, two months short of 54 years. This past April it was 50 years since they moved onto the farm where they were presently living. Frieda faithfully supported John in their farming endeavours and ventures by doing a fantastic job of keeping the farm book and bringing countless meals to the fields or onto their kitchen table. Many farm-hands and friends have benefited from her wonderful cooking and baking. Frieda was active in various areas of her church. She faithfully taught Sunday School for many years and lovingly invested in the lives of children while teaching Vacation Bible School in the community. She loved books, so it was natural for her to help in the Church Library. She served several years as Membership Coordinator of Richmond Park MB Church. She was often deeply touched by the lives of people with whom she was in contact and who were hurting or struggling with life's problems. She reached out to them with compassion and love. She was also one of the many volunteers that worked at the MCC Thrift Store in Brandon. Frieda was a great hostess to family, friends and neighbours. She canvassed the neighbourhood on behalf of the Canadian Cancer Society and would often deliver food donations to the Alexander rink during bonspiel season. She also was a faithful participant at the World Day of Prayer service in Alexander, this year being probably the first year that she missed due to her illness. Frieda enjoyed reading and going to concerts with John. She took pride in her yard, planting colorful flowers by the house and in her garden. She was not afraid to try new things, such as learning how to use the computer. She took a course at Seniors for Seniors and when that knowledge was not enough, she called on her friend Wendy, who was always ready to offer her help. Frieda and John enjoyed their grandchildren and drove many miles to watch hockey games and take in 4H Achievement Days. Luke's assessment of Frieda - "Grandma knows a little about hockey, Grandpa knows a lot about hockey, but I know a lot more." This shows that he obviously appreciated her knowledgeable support. There were many sleep- overs at Grandma and Grandpa's house. There were always favorite cookies to snack on and she made sure that jeans were carefully mended. It was 25 years ago this spring that Frieda was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a lumpectomy and following that, in the middle of the busy harvest season, she traveled to Winnipeg on the bus to have a battery of radiation treatments. Subsequent check-ups took place in the ensuing years and she was declared to be cancer free. In the past year she had been encountering lack of energy and feeling very listless. After some time of severe illness, she entered the Brandon RHC where she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She opted to have surgery on April 27. Recovery from that was not to be and the Lord called her to her eternal home on May 13, 2010 at approximately 1:00am. The family wishes to thank the medical staff, Doctors and nurses on 400, 300 and the ICU for their kind and competent care of Frieda during her stay in hospital. Frieda was predeceased by her parents, David and Susanna Pries, brother John Pries and sister Olga (Dueck) Schmidt. She leaves to mourn her passing her beloved husband John, of nearly 54 years, son Jim and wife Bernice, grandchildren Desirae and Blake Tucker, Jaclyn, Wyatt and Luke. Also surviving are siblings, in-law's and many nieces and nephews. The Funeral Service was held at Richmond Park Mennonite Brethren Church on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 with Rev. Dave Ens officiating. Interment followed in the Alexander Cemetery.Friends who wish may make a donation in memory of Frieda to the Gideons, P.O. Box 3619 Station Main, Guelph, Ontario, N1H 7A2. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330. (written by her sisters).

As published in Brandon Sun on May 29, 2010