Alvina GIESBRECHT

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GIESBRECHT: Alvina Giesbrecht died February 16, 2013 at the St. Boniface Hospital after a long and happy life. She will be greatly missed by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as by her many friends. Alvina was born February 22, 1921 to Maria F. and Jacob L. Friesen in Gretna Manitoba, where she spent her childhood as part of a large and loving family. After graduating from the Mennonite Collegiate Institute and then from Normal School, she taught children in a variety of one-room and larger town schools. On January 2, 1944 she married Bernard P. (Barney) Giesbrecht who was soon sent overseas with the armed services. During the 1950s, as the centre of a busy family, Alvina also embarked on her long-term career of teaching English as a Second Language for the Winnipeg School Division. After the death of her beloved husband in 1974, she began a decade of employment as Director of Volunteers and teacher of Canadian citizenship at the International Centre. The heart of Alvina’s life was her family, and she was loved and honoured by her children Valerie (Terry Beckingham), Brian (Brenda Buckley) and Lorne (Wendy Penno). She was a special grandmother to George (Sandra), Jennifer (Jason), Diana (Gerond), Maegan (Ryan), Jacob, Aaron, Daniel, Jill and Luke, and most especially to Karen whom she treasured for all of her eight years. She found new joy in her great grandchildren Anne, Adam, Jack, Jane, Rebecca, Thade, Rosannah and Sylvie. Alvina was predeceased by her siblings Jake, Anne, Margaret, Mary, Eve, Rhinehart, Ed, Henry, Esther, Rita, and two infant sisters. She is survived by three sisters-in-law Helen Penner, Mildred Giesbrecht, and Mary Giesbrecht as well as by many nieces and nephews who were very dear to her. Also missing Alvina are her friends from 360 Osborne and from Kildonan United Church. Interment will be at Chapel Lawn Cemetery, where Alvina will be laid to rest beside her husband. Friends and family are invited to attend the Memorial Service Saturday, February 23 at 11:00 a.m. at Kildonan United Church. Cropo Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 20, 2013