MARY FRIESEN

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MARY FRIESEN Peacefully, on Friday, December 15, 2000, at Cartier Manor in Elie, Man., Mary Friesen passed away at the age of 82 years. Mary was born August 12, 1918, in Russia and immigrated to Canada in 1926 with her parents, six brothers and three sisters. The family then settled in Margaret, Man., and later Steinbach. She married Peter Friesen on April 6, 1940, and they began their married life together farming in Brunkild and later in the Headingley area. In 1945, they purchased farmland in the Elie area where they farmed for 30 years, later retiring in the town of Elie. Mary is predeceased by her husband Peter Friesen in 1998; parents Jacob and Katherine Martens; her brothers, John, Jake, Henry, George and Frank; her sisters, Helen and Kay. Mary is survived by her brother Abe Martens of Winnipeg; her beloved children; daughters, Beverly (Hank) Klassen of Ottawa, Carol (Ron) Paley of Winnipeg and son Peter (Diane) Friesen of Headingley. Mary had six grandchildren, Kyle (Lily) Klassen and Jason (Jerri-Lynne) Klassen of Ottawa, Martin (Bronwyn) Cooke of London, Ont., Virginia (Christopher) Cooke of Winnipeg, Lesley (special friend Jeff) and Robyn (special friend Greg) Friesen of Headingley. A prairie farming life was challenging at the best of times. Mary and her husband Peter managed to successfully overcome these challenges to build a future for themselves and their children. Mary was known for her strong will and determination as a true partner for Peter. She worked beside him in the fields, in the farmyard and in the home. She took pride in her baking skills, her vegetable garden and her houseplants. The love and devotion between Peter and Mary created a bond that allowed them to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in 1990. Mary never recovered from the loss of her husband and best friend in 1998, leaving her another challenge in her lifetime. As she always did, Mary carried on the responsibilities of a grandparent to see three of her grandsons wed. Mary even traveled to Ottawa with her son Peter and family to attend her grandson Kyle Klassens wedding to Lily. Mary enjoyed day to day living with her neighbours, friends and acquaintances at the Cartier Manor in Elie. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating the life of Mary Friesen will be held at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave., on Tuesday, December 19, at 10:00 a.m., with Major Katherine McFarlane officiating. The family wishes to thank the residents and staff at Cartier Manor for their friendship and care during her stay with them. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations in memory of Mary Friesen can be made to the Salvation Army, 500-55 Donald St., Winnipeg Man., R3C 1L8. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 17, 2000