ELISABETH FROESE 1908-2001

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ELISABETH FROESE 1908-2001 After a short bout with cancer, Elisabeth Froese of Steinbach, passed away peacefully at her home in Fernwood Place, June 2, 2001 at the age of 92, the 53rd anniversary of our arrival in Canada. Left to mourn her passing are her children, Frances Derksen, Ted and Irene Froese, Marian and Abe Banman, Hertha and Wilmer Tessman, Frank and Helga Froese, Eric and Anne Froese, John and Judith Froese, Peter and Gerda Froese, Jac and Margaret Froese; 27 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister Tina Krahn and one brother Peter Wiebe. She was predeceased by son-in-law Abram Derksen in 1974 and her husband Rev. Frank J. Froese in 1978. Elisabeth Wiebe was born December 17, 1908 in Neuendorf, Ukraine. At the age of 11, her father died in the great typhoid epidemic of the time leaving her mother with seven children to run the family farm which was collectivized in 1928 by the communist government. She was baptized on the confession of her faith June 4, 1928. Mom married widower Franz Froese on December 2, 1940 and immediately became the mother of four. Life was not easy having to live through the First World War, the Russian Revolution, famine, the Stalin communist government and the Second World War while Father was being detained by the issues of war and persecution. Mom was confronted by many hardships but gave testimony to the end, of Gods faithfulness in protecting her from personal harm throughout those years. Upon arrival in Canada the family settled in Steinbach where Mother was supportive to Father in his ministry in the Steinbach Mennonite Church. She was active in the Ladies Naehverein till her 80th birthday. The lean European years made Mom into a legend of thriftiness; and the help we received throughout the refugee years made her a generous supporter of relief agencies. Family and friends were important and many a guest will remember Mom for the food she served for Faspa and other celebrations. Those wonderful buns, soups and torte will be missed by friends and family. Mother loved her children and was concerned for their salvation. Daily she prayed for all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren by name, to experience Gods salvation. She shared the families sorrows and good times and will be sadly missed by friends and family. The funeral service will be held Thursday, June 7, 2:00 p.m. at the Steinbach Mennonite Church, 345 Loewen Blvd. Viewing will be at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Wednesday, June 6, 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with devotional to follow and at the church prior to the service. Should friends so desire, donations may be made to MCC Canadian Foodgrains Bank, 134 Plaza Dr. Winnipeg, MB. R3T 5K9 and also at the chapel and church. Thank you to the doctors and nurses at Bethesda and St. Boniface hospitals and the home care workers. Arrangements entrusted to: BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 150 Penfeld Drive, Steinbach, MB. 1-204-346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 05, 2001