Justina (Jessie) Falk

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JUSTINA (Jessie) FALK
October 3, 1931 - April 1, 2014

Jessie was born in Winnipeg, the oldest of eight children. She grew up on a farm NE of Lowe Farm where she was blessed to grow up in a godly home. At the age of 12, Jessie attended a DVBS event where she became convicted of her need of a Saviour when her teacher explained John 3:16. She accepted Jesus as her Saviour at that time and at age 19 she was baptized in a river near Rosenort.

Following Grade 8 she was needed at home and had to leave school. Several years later she attended Winkler Bible School for three years, returned home and completed Grades 10 and 11. Shortly thereafter Jessie moved to Winnipeg and began working at Pauline Chambers, a cookie factory where she first started to enjoy chocolate puff cookies. Jessie had an exceptional strong work ethic throughout her life.

It was while attending the South End M.B. Church youth group in Winnipeg that she met Jake Falk, whom she referred to as her Prince Charming. They were married on June 2, 1957 in the Steinbach M.B. Church

In 1965, the M.B. Mission Board called them to serve in India. She struggled with the idea of leaving her boys in a boarding school 800 miles away, however, the Lord spoke to her with Psalm 46.10, “Cease striving and know that I am God”. The visas were not approved and in January 1967 Jake and Jessie became the first part-time paid pastor couple at the Manitou M.B. Church, arriving there with Ron, Ted, Howard and Violet. The Lord blessed them with another daughter, Val, and they had many good times and made lifelong friends in their 5½ years there. In June of 1973, the family moved to Fresno, CA for Jake’s seminary studies. Jessie babysat to provide much needed income. These two years were highlights for Jessie as she grew in her faith.

In 1975, the family moved to Steinbach where Jake became the pastor of the M.B. Church. Jessie worked alongside Jake as they did much visitation, showed hospitality in their home, and she volunteered as church secretary. Jessie always enjoyed being a support to Jake in his work. Jake developed cancer and passed away in October of 1984.

Jessie found herself alone and shortly thereafter married Jake’s older brother Ben. Sadly, this marriage did not survive and after six years she found herself alone again. She found comfort in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Over time, Jessie taught Sunday school, led Friendship Bible Coffee, served as a church usher and worked in church visitation. She also went on two overseas missions trips.

Family gatherings were very important to Jessie as she checked family schedules weeks in advance. She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and attended as many events as she could.

On November 20, 2013 Jessie was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer. She spent the last six months of her life living at Violet and Andrew’s home. She passed from the loving arms of her family into the loving arms of her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on Tuesday, Apr. 1, 2014 at the age of 82 years.

In Jessie’s words, “Throughout my life, the Lord has been faithful to me, in all my weaknesses and imperfections. He was there.”

Jessie was passionate about her personal relationship with Jesus Christ and communicating in word and action God’s love to other people. She was also enthusiastic about God’s Word and serving others.

Jessie is lovingly remembered by her five children - Ron (Helen), Ted (Irene), Howard (Wanda), Violet (Andrew), Valerie (Brian); 16 grandchildren – Stephanie (Owen), Leanne (Bryan), Timothy (Chelsea), Russell (Nicole), Stacy (Nathan), Michael (Paula), Sara, Jenelle (Glen), Noah, Karly (Adam), Elliana, Ezra, Olivia, Abigail, Scott and Laura; three step-grandchildren Kathryn (Andy), Karla (Steve) and Michael (Tiana); nine great-grandchildren – Ethan, Hailey, Jensen, Jayce, Colter, Kadri, Raea, Levi and Lincoln; and two step-great-grandchildren – Kayden and Hazel.

She is also survived by her Hildebrand siblings – Peter (Anne), Helena (John), David (Brenda), Bill (Hilda), Linda (Bill) and Ruth (Tony), several Falk sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was predeceased by her dear husband Rev Jacob Falk, parents Peter P. and Helena, brother David, and three great-grandsons Kieran, Micah and Tobias.

Viewing will be held Saturday, April 5, 2014 at 7:00 pm with a devotional at 7:30 pm at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB

A celebration of Jessie's life will take place, this Sunday, April 6 at 2:30 pm at the Steinbach Mennonite Brethren Church, Corner of Lumber Ave. and 2nd Street, Steinbach, MB.

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

As published in The Carillon on Apr 02, 2014