Jean Friesen

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JEAN FRIESEN
August 10, 1942 – November 27, 2016

Our beloved sister, aunt, and friend, Jean Friesen, was born on August 10, 1942 to Andrew & Betty Langeman Friesen. She peacefully passed away at the Ste. Anne Hospital on Sunday, November 27, 2016, 52 years to the day after her father’s death in 1964.

Jean was born at the Bethesda Hospital, Steinbach, Manitoba, and grew up on the family farm in Greenland, Manitoba. She attended the Montezuma School, half a mile away. She heeded the call to repentance and was baptized into the Greenland Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, in 1953. This faith she held precious and was faithful to the end. She left a good testimony of salvation.

At the age of 16 years she started working at Derksen Printers in Steinbach. Except for a short time at the Greenland Home, two years in the Children’s Ward at Misericordia Hospital in Winnipeg, and six months at the Gallup Childcare Home, she worked at Derksen’s until she retired at 67 years of age. She loved her work there. Then she started a used book store with her friend, Nealda. She took a vital interest in this enterprise and the new and lasting friendships this brought her put a new enthusiasm in her life.

Jean and Mom lived in Greenland until 1993 when they moved to Steinbach. Mom lived with Jean until 1997 when Mom went to the Maplewood Manor and passed away in 1999.

Jean enjoyed her life and loved her independence. We will miss her sense of humor and her special flavor. Her family was dear to her and she was interested in each of her nieces and nephews. Her house was always open to everyone. She was a pillar in the family, making a home base for us.

A highlight for her was a trip with her siblings to New York City in April of this year to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, where Mom entered America in the 1920’s.

Jean enjoyed good health until two years ago when she lost the sight in one eye and she found out she had a rare disease, Giant Cell Arteritis. This started her on a new road of doctors’ appointments, medications, hours spent in the emergency room, and relying on others. She appreciated all the help she received during this time. Her passing was unexpected.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Her memory will be cherished by her five siblings: Edith Warkentin, Pincher Creek, AB; Alice and Walter Warkentin, Cartwright, MB; Josie and Marvin Penner, Ste. Anne, MB; Tony and Pat, Bredenbury, SK; Rosalie and Leroy Penner, Arran, SK; brother-in-law Louis Warkentin, Pincher Creek, AB; special friend, Nealda Penner, Ste. Anne, MB; all her nieces and nephews and their families; and many friends.

The viewing will take place on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, December 2, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, Steinbach, MB, with the interment at Heritage Cemetery.

Arrangements by
BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL
1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in The Carillon on Nov 30, 2016