Mary FRIESEN

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FRIESEN:With sorrowing hearts we announce the passing of our mother, Mary Friesen, on Thursday, April 3, 2014 at Fairview Personal Care Home, Brandon, Manitoba. After suffering a stroke on March 17th, she was admitted to Brandon Regional Health Centre before returning to Fairview last week. Mary was born on December 13, 1923 in the village of Kornejewka, in Siberian Russia. With her parents, Franz and Anna Dick and two siblings she emigrated to Canada in 1926, where the family came to Manitoba. After living temporarily on several different farms including two years at Carnduff, SK, the family eventually settled on a farm in the Terence district southwest of Alexander. Here Mom grew up, along with five siblings. The Dick family were part of the Mennonite community, and their lives were interwoven with those of their co-religionists, even as they sought to assimilate and make their way in a new country with a different language, customs and ways. Mother attended the Milan school, also Moore Park, and was able to attend one year at Winkler Bible School, as well as take a sewing course in Steinbach. In the course of these years she met our father, John Friesen of Griswold, and they were married on October 24, 1944. Their union was blessed with five children: Carl, Phillip, Marlies, Frank and Karin. Mother's life was characterized by self-sacrifice, love and devotion to her spouse and children. We will always remember the hearty meals she served, her dedication to homemaking, helping with many of the chores that were normal to farming of that era. Anyone who entered the home, or happened to be on the yard at mealtime would be invited in to join the family at the table. Sewing, gardening and tending to her children was simply who she was and what she did. She took a keen interest in our schooling, and stressed to us the importance of gaining an education. Mother put her faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord and in 1941, was baptized into the Mennonite Brethren Church at Griswold. She lived out her faith in practical ways, willing to go the second mile and return good for evil. Late in the evening when the house was quieter, one could hear Mom and Dad praying together before they turned in for the night. Music was a big part of Mom's life at home, her father was choir director in their church, so naturally singing and music lessons was part of our growing up years as well. She relished a good concert or performance. Mother read a lot, especially in these later years when there was more leisure time. Taking up a dare, or challenge, from Karin, Mom worked as a cook in a cafe in Oak Lake for a few years, also, she worked in housekeeping at Central Park Lodge in Brandon for a brief period. She was willing to try something new. Retiring to Brandon was a new challenge for Mom, it didn't always come easy, but she managed it, making new friends and strengthening old friendships. Here Mom and Dad could live out their golden years, and celebrate their 50th anniversary with friends and family. They were now able to have more involvement with friends at Richmond Park M.B. Church. When Dad passed away five years ago, it left a big void in Mom's life. She missed her best friend. With gracious acceptance she moved to Fairview, and here she made her home, enjoying loving compassionate care. We never heard her complain, although she experienced some lonely times. Our sincere and hearty thanks to the staff at Fairview. They gave Mom excellent care, especially this last week. Also many people from Richmond Park have made a point of visiting her regularly and this we value greatly. Mother was predeceased by her parents, her husband, John and a brother, Peter Dick. She is survived by three sons and two daughters; thirteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; as well as one brother and three sisters. Funeral service will be held at Richmond Park Mennonite Brethren Church, 1525-26th Street, on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Ben Kramer and Pastor Dave Thiessen officiating. Interment will follow at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. Donations in memory of Mary may be made to a charity of choice. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com.

As published in Brandon Sun on Apr 07, 2014