MYRNA LORRAINE FRIESEN

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MYRNA LORRAINE FRIESEN January 31, 1946 - October 8, 2008 It is with great sadness we announce that Myrna was called home to be with her Lord and Saviour on October 8, 2008 at St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care in Winnipeg. She was predeceased by her parents, Rev. John R. and Maria Friesen of Kleefeld; two sisters, Betty (Dave L. Friesen) and Marion (Menno Reimer); four brothers-in-law, Henry (Elma) Dueck, Isaac (Rosaline) Loewen, Dave L. (Betty) Friesen and Abe B. (Matilda) Eidse. Myrna is survived by Gordon, her loving husband of 39 years; four sisters, Elma (Henry Dueck), Rosaline (Isaac Loewen), Matilda (Abe Eidse), Carol (Werner Janzen); two brothers, Ronald Friesen and Laurence (Linda) Friesen; brother-in-law Menno Reimer; parents-in-law C. N. and Laura Friesen and their family, many nephews and nieces, and countless friends. Myrna spent a happy childhood on the family farm in Kleefeld and at the Kleefeld School; she received her secondary education in Steinbach. She was baptized by her father into the Kleefeld E.M.C. church and began many years of active involvement in church life. She continued her formal education at CMBC and then U. of M., earning bachelor degrees in Human Ecology and Education. After her marriage to Gord in 1968, they moved to Thompson in a spirit of adventure to pursue their careers. Among the numerous positions she held, she remembers most fondly teaching at R.D. Parker Collegiate, and regional Home Economist for Manitoba Health. She cherished the lasting friendships she made at work, in church and the community, as well as singing with the Aurora Singers women's choir. After 17 years in Thompson, they moved to Winnipeg to be closer to family. Together with Gord and brother Ron, she helped build her dream cottage at Brereton Lake and spent many happy summers there with family and friends. In Winnipeg she taught adult E.S.L. for 10 years when she received the devastating diagnosis of breast cancer in 2000, and a recurrence in 2003. This new reality necessitated early retirement, and she regretfully said goodbye to her students and fellow teachers. Sustaining her in these difficult times was her love of choral music and she continued to sing in Faith and Life Women's Choir and Bethel Singers as long as health permitted. Her relationship with her many nieces and nephews and their children were very special to her. Myrna was also an avid gardener, and a great animal lover. It broke her heart to say farewell to her two dogs, Bunnie and Jasper. Together with Gord she travelled extensively. Her home, family and friends were her greatest love, and she shared her compassion with all. The family is very grateful to all of Myrna's healthcare providers; in particular, our thanks to CancerCare chemo nurses and assistants who became good friends, Drs. Olweny, Latosinsky, Cooke and Daeninck, radiation and other therapists, and palliative care providers for their compassionate care over the years. Special thanks also to the pastors and members of Bethel Mennonite Church and the prayers and support we received from family, neighbours, Myrna's prayer circle and so many caring friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Myrna Friesen Music Scholarship at Canadian Mennonite University, or to a charity of one's choice. Funeral services will be held at Bethel Mennonite Church, 465 Stafford Street, Winnipeg, MB on Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. with viewing from 9:30 a.m. A Service of Remembrance for family and friends will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Drive, Steinbach, MB on Monday, October 13, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Arrangements by Birchwood funeral chapel 1-204-346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 10, 2008