COLLEN FRIESEN

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COLLEN FRIESEN

On the morning of Friday, February 3, 2023, we lost one amazing woman. It is with profound sadness that we announce that Colleen passed away peacefully at Assiniboine Centre in Brandon and now is pain free.
Colleen was always a woman of great strength, dignity and integrity. As a mother, she was grounded, fair and never judgmental. Although raising children is a tremendous responsibility, Colleen raised her four girls seemingly effortlessly. Colleen's life was many times more difficult than anyone ever knew but her positive demeanor would never give that away. How she managed and kept her level-headed disposition will always be a mystery.
She was born in Bowmanville, Ontario to Eric and Joan Coombes. She grew up swimming in Lake Ontario, hanging out on the pier. In 1976, Colleen made the move to Manitoba with her husband, Jim, and the farm life began. She thought nothing of all the chores and of raising her four children; she just took it in stride. Her caring personality not only benefited us as a family, it also led her to a 30 year career of compassion, in homecare, as an attendant.
Colleen was a great cook and could make a meal for the whole family out of nothing. How she got eight sandwiches out of one can of tuna, well never know! Her love of animals was no secret; rescuing cats or dogs was normal, as was taking care of the ones Angela dragged home. Colleen was an avid reader and she passed along her love of reading to most of her children. Everyone grew up being read to and then reading ourselves. Colleen loved bowling, reading, crossword puzzles, cards, camping (oh, the camping stories!), baking, gardening, and Scrabble.
Colleen loved her grandchildren and spent a lot of time with them. It is said some went daily for a Diet Pepsi and a cinnamon bun. Colleen never missed a ball game, equestrian event, skating event or anything the kids did. As mother and grandmother she supported us all, no matter what. Never did we doubt that we could tell her anything without her being angry or judging us.
Colleen was widowed in 2018 and in 2022 found love again. We had never seen her as happy as when Frank walked in the room. Her last year of life was filled with laughter, love and a new zest for life.
Colleen was predeceased by her daughter Patti in 2001 and her husband Jim in 2018. Lovingly remembered by daughters Cathie (Derek), Angela, Jessica, and her grandchildren Eric, Evan and Amy, Jennifer, Alexa and Cooper, as well as great-grandchildren Logan and Brooklynn.
As per her wishes, there will be a family graveside service in the Spring. Donations may be made in her memory to Westman Animal Rescue or a charity of choice.

Wheatland Funeral Service
204-523-7791 www.wheatlandfs.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 11, 2023