Leanna Friesen

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LEANNA MARLENE FRIESEN

Leanna Marlene Friesen was born to Peter W. and Margaret (Penner) Friesen on September 18, 1936 in Greenland, Manitoba. She peacefully passed away on March 22, 2014 at Bethesda Hospital, Steinbach, Manitoba after suffering a massive stroke reaching the age of 77 years. She had no chance to say good-bye. She gave her heart to the Lord at the age of 12 and was baptised into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on November 1, 1948 by Min. John M. Penner. She enjoyed a meaningful relationship with her Lord often praying for the family and missionaries. Leanna lived most of her life on her parent's farm. After mother passed away, she was very devoted in caring for dad. When dad passed away she continued living on the home place with her sister, Dorothy. They moved to Steinbach in 2006 and enjoyed having many friends come over for meals and nights. She enjoyed cooking and her flowers. The day before she passed away she was doing what she loved: planning and preparing food for a family gathering on Sunday. Little did she know that God was planning a special gathering for that day.

Leanna worked as a nurse aid at the Greenland Home for numerous years until it was destroyed by a tornado in 1978. For one year she helped care for Gertie Enns in their home. From 1981 till 2008 she worked at the Maplewood Manor in Steinbach. In her retirement she volunteered one day a week, visiting and reading to the residents at the Manor; including the day of her stroke.

Leanna had a special place in her heart for her nephews and niece and their families often referring to her great nieces and nephews as her "grandchildren." In her devotions she would often mention them in her prayers.

Those left to cherish fond memories are: her sister Dorothy of Steinbach, Manitoba; her brother Edgar and Clarice of Ste. Anne, Manitoba; four nephews: Harlan & Barb of Ste. Anne, Manitoba; Weldon & Bev of Silver Valley, Alberta, Allen & Ev of Bow Island, Alberta; Glenn & Reanne of Silver Valley, Alberta; one niece: Karen & Randy Gable of Clarksdale, Mississippi; 20 great nieces and nephews. Also very dear to her was cousin Marlene & Alvin Toews and their family.

Preceding her in death were her parents and two brothers in infancy.

Funeral services were held on March 25, 2014, at the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, Greenland, Manitoba. Officiating ministers were Jesse Friesen, Edgar Wohlgemuth, Elroy Penner and Sam Friesen. Burial was in the Greenland Cemetery.

Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel
204-346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030

As published in The Carillon on Mar 24, 2014