ELISABETH THIESSEN

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ELISABETH THIESSEN March 19, 1909 - August 23, 2010 Peacefully, with family by her side, Elisabeth (Plett) Thiessen changed her residence from the Donwood Personal Care Home to her Heavenly Home. The measure of life after all is not its duration, but its donation - Peter Marshall. The duration of Elisabeth's life was 101 years. She, however, will be remembered for her life's many donations that have influenced and shaped family and friends. Her faith in God was based on the words of Jesus in John 3:16: For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. Her faith sustained her during the very difficult years of war, persecution and the loss of her husband Bernhard Thiessen while living in the Ukraine. In spite of her personal losses and suffering, she was willing to care for her young orphaned sister, Marie, and nieces and nephews. Elisabeth, together with her extended family was able to flee Russia and via Germany find a new home in Paraguay. In 1964, she immigrated to Canada to be again with her sister Marie Kroeker and family. Her spiritual home was the North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church. Having experienced losses and hardship made her keenly aware of the needs of others. She spent many hours sewing blankets for the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) to be distributed to the poor and suffering. Her faith in God, a positive attitude and sense of humour helped her cope with her own personal challenges until the last hours of her life. She never forgot to say Thank you. Elisabeth was predeceased by her husband Bernhard Thiessen, sisters Anna Plett, Justina Ediger, Tina Plett, Marie Kroker and brother Gerhard Plett. She is survived by her sister Suse Wiens in Germany and nieces and nephews. II Timothy 4:7 I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Funeral service will be held at North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church, 1315 Gateway Road on Thursday, August 26, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kingdom Ventures, available at the service.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 25, 2010