KATHERINE GIESBRECHT

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KATHERINE GIESBRECHT It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our wonderful mother at West Park Manor, Katie (nee Friesen) Giesbrecht, on October 15, 2000 at the age of 90 years. We wish to extend our thanks to all the wonderful staff and friends at West Park who shared Moms final months with her and made her stay a joyful one. Mom will be forever remembered by her children and grandchildren: Vern (Anita), Shannon, Greg and Tim; Peter (Verna), Jeremy and Jessica; Art (Linda), Kevin and Matthew; Fran (Wayne), Melanie, Katherine and Michael; Walter (Leslie), Paul, Molly and Claire; and one great-grandchild Luke along with many relatives and friends. Also left to mourn our loss are her brothers, George (Katie), Henry (Vivian), Nick (Doreen), Ed (Pat), Art (Anne) and sisters, Sonja (Paul) Reimer, Mary (Tony) Perrino, Helen (Jim) Baron, Frances (Charlie) Kaufmann and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Peter in 1950 and brothers Peter (Mary) and Dave (Minnie). Mom was born in Grigoriewka, Russia on March 9, 1910 to George and Justina Friesen, the second of 12 children. In 1925, her family was forced to flee the country and eventually settled on a farm near Headingley, Manitoba. In the early years, Mom worked as a housekeeper to financially assist her family, thus beginning many decades of service and sacrifice. She married Peter Giesbrecht in 1942 and by 1949 had five children, including twins Art and Fran. Tragically Dad passed away the following year leaving Mom with five children under the age of six to raise by herself. This she did with selfless devotion, giving her children everything they needed, especially unwavering love and support. Mom continued to work as a housekeeper until she was 85, never complaining about her lot in life and earning the respect and friendship of everyone she worked for. In 1979, Mom moved into Autumn House where she spent many wonderful years with close friends and relatives. Retirement did not slow her down and she became a caregiver to many others over the years. Our mother set an example of self-sacrifice, generosity, kindness and love that is difficult to emulate. We will miss her terribly but we know that she is now at rest in the gentle hands of Jesus and that we will all meet again some day. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 19 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Mennonite Church, 922 Notre Dame at Alverstone. Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Jeremy, Greg, Kevin, Michael, Tim and Matthew. At Moms request, cremation will follow and interment will take place privately at Brookside Cemetery at a later date. Flowers gratefully declined; those who wish can make a donation in Moms name to the Salvation Army. Arrangements entrusted to Klassen Funeral Chapel, 338-0331.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 17, 2000