KATY JANZEN

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KATY JANZEN (DYCK) 1929 - 2017 It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Katy Janzen at the Foyer Notre Dame in Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba, on Saturday, May 13, 2017. Katy was predeceased by her parents, Isaak P. Dyck and Maria Dyck (Penner), brothers, Ike, and John, and sisters, Hilda, Helen, and Mary. Katy will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by her children: son, Rick and Judy Janzen of Calgary; son, Harold and Lori Janzen of Morden; daughter, Heather and Marcel Tetrault of Winnipeg; four grandchildren, Christopher, Candice, David, and Daniel of Calgary, and great-grandson, Cedar. She is also survived by her sister, Anne, brother, Wally, brother-in-law and wife, Menno and Nettie Janzen, brother-in-law, John J. Siemens of Winkler, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Katy was born in Chortitz, on September 15, 1929, and went to school in Winkler and attended Grade 11 at Mennonite Collegiate Institute. Katy was a member of the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church, where she was baptized on June 5, 1949. Katy married the love of her life, Rudy Janzen on July 19, 1953, and together they raised three children while living in Winkler their whole life. Katy worked as a clerk at Rudy's father's Red & White Store, and later enjoyed working as a Customer Service Representative at the Winkler Credit Union for many years. Katy was fun-loving and quick-witted. Even with her failing memory, she managed to maintain this quick wit which she cleverly used to mask her progressing forgetfulness. Still humourous during the last year of her life, many times she would keep the staff at the Foyer in stitches. Intelligent and curious about the world, she kept up with news and current affairs. CBC News or CNN News were always on in the background as she read the Winnipeg Free Press, McLeans, or Time magazine from cover to cover. She loved classical music, and growing up Katy's home was filled with the sounds of music. Katy's four sisters figured prominently and played a significant role at different stages in her life. The five of them were always known as the "beautiful Dyck girls". Although her siblings were scattered, Rudy and Katy would make many trips to see her sister in Calgary and road trips to visit her youngest brother in Texas. Earlier in her married life she spent a lot of time with her sisters Mary and Helen who were part of every family celebration seated at the dinner table. The return of her only remaining sister Anne in March, 2015 from London, England to Winnipeg meant a lot to Katy. Together they enjoyed family dinners and celebrations in Katy's apartment, and later, warm visits at the Foyer where Katy was still able to recognize her dear sister. Katy was an avid gardener and tended her large garden with care. She especially loved her beautiful wildflowers, canning and pickling vegetables and making tasty jams. She was an excellent cook that spoiled her family with traditional Mennonite dishes. The house was always filled with the aroma of food and cooking. Katy's family was her passion and focus in life. She was firm, but gentle, and always wanted the best for her three children with whom she had a special connection. She was very proud of her children's and grandchildren's accomplishments and bragged about them at every opportunity. She was thrilled to become a great-grandmother and met her new great-grandson Cedar last June when she was still able to recognize him as being very special. When shown a picture of Cedar, she would always say, "Awe...what a sweetie, what a darling". Her husband Rudy, the love of her life, was "her world". After his bout with cancer she selflessly took care of him. Katy was a dedicated mother, grandmother, sister, and wife... a "mother bear" through and through. Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at the Bergthaler Mennonite Church, 252 6th St. in Winkler, preceded by a private interment at Westridge Memorial Gardens in Winkler, MB. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the compassionate health care professionals that have contributed to her care. Dr. Day, Katy's doctor for many years, provided exceptional attention, compassion and care for Mom. Special thanks to Notre Dame Hospital staff and the extraordinary, compassionate staff at Foyer Notre Dame who thoughtfully learned her unique needs, and treated Mom with respect and kindness during her time living at the Foyer. Thank you to everyone who has provided support during this time of loss. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler In care of arrangements wiebefuneralhomes.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 20, 2017