Judy Doerksen

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JUDY DOERKSEN

1943-2020

Judith (Judy) Marie Doerksen (nee Friesen), 77, of Steinbach, MB, formerly of Kola, MB, passed away Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020 at Bethesda Place after a short battle with cancer.

She is survived by children, Jacqueline and Gerald Brandt (Jonas (Meghan), Celine and Felix) of Steinbach, MB; Charlene and Alvin Martens (Greer, Caraline) of Mesa, Arizona; Cory and Natasha Doerksen (Elinor, Marlo, Everett) of Morden, MB; Melissa and Gabe Figueiredo (Aidan, Gabrielle, Amalia) of Winnipeg, MB; siblings, Eunice Neufeld, Gerry and Frieda Friesen and their families. Also left to mourn are Myrtle Doerksen, John and Agnes Doerksen, Phil and Carol Doerksen, Sara Doerksen, Gerry and Pauline Hoorman, Henry and Lorena Doerksen, Sam and Delia Baidoo, and Gerald Doerksen.

She was predeceased by her mother Marie Friesen (nee Reimer), father Abram Q. Friesen, brother Richard Warren, and her husband, Raymond Jonas Doerksen.

Judy was born and raised in Steinbach, MB, serving her church, Steinbach EMB, with music at a young age. She worked at her uncle’s insurance business until she met a handsome young man by the name of Raymond. They were married on Feb. 3, 1967. They lived in various places while they started their family, finally settling in Kola, MB for about 30 years. They enjoyed country living and attended the Kola EMC Church. Judy worked at various short term jobs, as well as completing a hairdressing course. Judy suffered from depression, but in her good times contributed to the music life around her, frequently playing piano and organ in church.

They moved to the Blumenort/Steinbach area in 2002, attended the Blumenort EMC Church and became members in 2013.

Mom and Dad enjoyed travelling. They enjoyed their regular winter vacations together to Palm Springs, Mexico, and Hawaii, and with their children to various North America locations, particularly southern ones. Frequent visits were also made to children in Florida or California.

After Dad passed away, Mom and Jacqueline enjoyed a trip to Mesa, Arizona to visit Charlene and family. Shopping and mani/pedis were highlights. A cherished memory for our family is our 2007 Christmas spent at a condo and white sands in Destin, Florida. Mom and Dad took their grandchildren on several trips as well. Mom and Dad also enjoyed spending time together with Dad’s siblings at their shared cabin in Watrous, SK.

Judy moved into Bethesda Place in 2012 and enjoyed her last years continuing to make music, frequently playing for the residents’ chapel services, performing for residents and sometimes pinch hitting when volunteers failed to show up. Bethesda Place was a wonderful place for Mom. She enjoyed the chapels, church services, baking activities, watching People’s Court and Wheel of Fortune. Gerald and Jacqueline enjoyed having her over most Sunday afternoons, relaxing and watching America’s Funniest Videos. Jacqueline would visit Mom on Wednesdays, treating her to McDonald’s food.

Mom will be missed as a mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

We would like to thank all the wonderful healthcare workers who were so kind and caring to our mother her entire time at Bethesda Place. Even at the end when she was unresponsive, calling her by name, gently talking to her as they treated her, and kept her comfortable. She was able to be restful and comfortable until her final breath.

A public funeral service was held on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. at the Blumenort Community Church, 59 Centre Ave, Blumenort, MB.

Interment took place at the Blumenort Community Church Cemetery following the service.

Donations in memory of Judy may be made to Blumenort Community Church, Box 114, Blumenort, MB, R0A 0C0.

As published in The Carillon on Oct 16, 2020