ANNE FRIESEN

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ANNE FRIESEN With hearts filled with gratitude and love, on September 27, 2007 we bid farewell to our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Anne was dearly loved and will be sorely missed by her family: her husband of 60 years, Ed; children, Ken (Sandra) and their children, Claire, Milo, and Ellen; Carol (Brad) and their children, Joel (Meghan) and Josh; Bonnie (Dennis) and their children, Tyson and Spencer; Joyce (Brad) and their children, Alex and Quinn; and Shelley (Brad) and their children, Kristyn, Cole, and Matthew. She was also a great-grandmother to Ava and Aidan and dear friend to Juliette and Sally. Mom was born on November 26, 1925 to Jacob and Agatha Kroeker in Altona MB. She was the eldest of four siblings. Left to cherish her memory are Henry, Mary (Frank), Sadie (Bud) and their families. She will also be missed by Dad's nephews, nieces and one remaining brother, Dave (Eva). Our parents met when Mom was nursing in Altona. Although she never quit being a nurse, she left her calling to care for her children until they were grown. She was the ultimate homemaker: she cooked, baked, cleaned, painted, sewed, knitted and crocheted. She was world-famous, in our family at least, for her traditional Mennonite soups. With her children safely launched from the nest, Mom was able to embark on a new career that gave her much joy and satisfaction. During the 20 years she spent working for the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba at River House, she touched many women's lives in a profound and positive way. Her world opened, and she used her vast experience to provide sound counsel and advice to clients and colleagues, many of whom continued to seek her out long after she'd retired. Mom never much cared for material possessions; her interest was in people, in their struggles, their triumphs, their joys. She was a voracious reader and was eager to discuss any topic. The fact that no subject was taboo in her home sometimes shocked her grandchildren, but they came to appreciate her sincere, non-judgmental interest in their lives and activities. In fact, it was her curiosity and openness to new ideas which kept her youthful and gave her the wisdom so valued by her family and friends. Although never her strong suit, she also loved to sing and dance. Mom and Dad loved to spend their winters in Phoenix. Mom brought all the hard-to-find ingredients for Dad's favourite dishes, and she spent her days sitting beside the pool reading and talking, her nights knitting and crocheting. Although she had to be coerced at first, she grew to anticipate those lazy days and made many new friends from all over North America with whom she continued to correspond even when her health prevented her from traveling. The family would like to thank the wonderful doctors and nurses of the emergency and intensive care units at the Grace Hospital for the compassionate care they provided not only for Mom but for us all. A celebration of Anne's life for her family and close friends will take place at 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 8, 2007 at Chapel Lawn reception room 4000 Portage Avenue. Cremation has taken place. A private interment will be held at a later date. God, grant me serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference Arrangements entrusted to: Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 29, 2007