MARILYN AUDREY FRIESEN

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MARILYN AUDREY FRIESEN Marilyn Audrey Friesen, beloved wife of the late Edward Friesen, mother of Jenny and David, passed away peacefully, November 8, 2000 at the Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, Man. at the age of 58 years, with her family by her side. Her positive outlook and love of life was an inspiration to us all and guided her through a lengthy battle with cancer. Marilyn was born Friday, December 5, 1941 at Canora, Sask. She graduated from high school in Minnedosa, Man. Marilyn went on to become a registered nurse, graduating from the Winnipeg General Hospital in 1961. She began her career in Northern Manitoba working as a "Bay Line" nurse stationed in Wabowden, Man. It was on the Bay Line that she met Ed Friesen, a conductor with the CN Railway. They were united in marriage, Friday, November 13, 1964 at Newdale, Man. Following their marriage, Ed and Marilyn moved to The Pas where they raised their two children, David and Jennifer. Marilyn spent 36 years in The Pas working in the health care field. Marilyn was a dedicated and caring nurse contributing to her profession in many aspects of health care. She worked at St. Anthonys/The Pas Health Complex in a variety of departments including the Medical Unit, supervising at St. Pauls, and in Staff Health & Education. Later she worked for Manitoba Health in Diabetic Education and Continuing Care. She continued in the capacity of Coordinator of Continuing Care with the NOR-MAN Regional Health Authority until her passing. As well, Marilyn served on the Board of Directors of The Pas Health Complex and received a citizenship award in recognition of this service in 1978. Marilyn had a great love for music and literature and was keenly interested in medicine and history. She was actively involved in The Pas Music and Arts Festival. Marilyn was also a dedicated member of the United Church and belonged to several choirs over the years, including the Glee Club, United Church Choir, and The Pas Community Choir. Gardening, listening to music, and visiting friends were activities which gave her much enjoyment. Marilyn was a very loving and giving person with a strong sense of family. She took it upon herself to maintain and sustain the family in times of joy and sorrow. She had a large extended family and assumed the role of mother and grandmother to many. Marilyn will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by her daughter Jennifer Borgfjord (Mark) grandchildren, Lauren and Mats, Moose Jaw, Sask.,; son David Friesen, Moriya, Japan; sisters, Fran Buchanan (Bonnie, Greg, Rashida, Julie/Ken and Sue), Calgary, Alta., Sharon Stewart (Laurie, Meagen and Carmen), MacGregor, Man. She was predeceased by her husband Ed (1985) her father Stanley R. Betts (1976) her mother Helen Marjorie Betts (1980) her brother Gordon William Betts (1953) and her treasured niece Haley Michelle Stewart (1997). In accordance with Marilyns wishes, she has been cremated. A Service of Remembrance was held Tuesday, November 14 at 11:00 a.m. at Westminster United Church with Canon Fletcher Stewart presiding. Music Ministry was organist Linda Buchanan, The United Church Choir, and the Community Choir. Tributes from family and friends were given by David Friesen, Bonnie Sendecki, Darcie Dunnigan, Mark Borgfjord, Laurie Stewart, Meaghan Dunnigan, Vera Dunnigan and Jenny Borgfjord. A reception was held in the basement of Westminister United Church immediately following the memorial service. Marilyn considered all her friends present at the service as honorary pallbearers. If friends so desire, tributes in Marilyns memory may be made to The Pas Music and Fine Arts Festival in care of Royal Bank, Box 1080, The Pas, Man., R9A 1L1. These will be used to set up a scholarship in her name. Jenny and David would appreciate receiving a written account of special memories/stories you would like to share that expresses your friendship with their mother. They can be mailed to Jenny and David, 1236 Pascoe Drive West, Moose Jaw, Sask., S6H 6Z5. Hemauer Funeral Home, The Pas, were in charge of arrangements. 623-3261.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 21, 2000