OLGA FRIESEN

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OLGA FRIESEN Olga Friesen (nee Heese) peacefully passed away at the Tuxedo Villa Care Home in Winnipeg on Sunday, December 12, 2004 at the age of 93. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Edwin J. Friesen of Steinbach, in 1996; and her brothers, Alec Heese of Elbow, SK in 1964 and Serge Heese of Surrey, BC in 1989 Olga's memory and the example of her life will be forever cherished by her daughter Lucille and husband Doug Evans; daughter Louise Spafford and husband Bob Hill and two grandchildren, Christina and John Spafford, all of Winnipeg. Also mourning her loss are her brother-in-law Dr. William J. Friesen and his wife Donna; sister-in-law Anne Sawatzky and Helen Zuchowski, all of Winnipeg; and a number of nephews and nieces in British Columbia, Winnipeg and Steinbach. Olga was born in Katrinaslov (now Dneprepatrovsk) in southern Russia on August 8, 1911, to Peter and Katherine Heese (Toews). Her father, the owner of a flour mill, enabled the family to live a comfortable, happy and secure life until the beginnings of the Russian Revolution. After several years of untold hardships and fear, they were able to flee to Canada in 1921. Here she met and later married her husband of 60 years, Ed Friesen, who would take over the ownership of J. R. Friesen Son, the Ford agency in Steinbach. Their marriage was a strong and loving partnership forged by similar interests. They devoted themselves to their community in many capacities and supported each other in various leadership roles. Together they travelled all over the world to learn more about other countries and peoples. Her independent and fearless spirit was shaped by her childhood in Russia and later encouraged by her husband. Olga was very active in the Red Cross, the Women's Institute, the Steinbach music festival, the Horticultural Society and the Steinbach Grace Mennonite Church. She loved swimming, curling, gardening, reading, needlework, classical music, travelling and just about anything that would challenge and broaden her mind. After a visit to South Africa, she was inspired to become the driving force behind building the memorial to Mennonite Pioneer Women located at the Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach. Flying lessons were also tackled so she could be of assistance to husband Ed when he flew his own small aircraft. Olga was always proud of her children and grandchildren, encouraging them with love and care in their various endeavours. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 16, 1:30 p.m. at the Grace Mennonite Church, 430 Third St., Steinbach. Interment will follow at the Steinbach Heritage Cemetery. Pallbearers will be James and Richard Giesbrecht, Ert Peters, Kevin McGarry, Wally Rempel and Werner Toews. If friends so desire, donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee Memorial Fund, 134 Plaza Dr., Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9 or the Winnipeg Humane Society, 5 Kent St., Winnipeg, MB R2L 1X3, phone 982-2041. As a family, we wish to express our sincere appreciation to the staff of Tuxedo Villa and all those who have provided support and comfort along the way. STEINBACH FUNERAL HOME 5 Chrysler Gate Steinbach, MB (204) 326-1351

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 14, 2004