AGATHA LOEDEMAN

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AGATHA LOEDEMAN Agatha Loedeman, beloved mother of Betty Diane, passed away on Friday, October 4, 2002. Agatha was the daughter of Aganetha and Heinrich Dyck. She was born on October 24, 1914 in Lowe Farm, MB and spent the first part of her life there. She was predeceased by her husband Hendrik in 1976; and by brothers, Henry, John, Isaac and Cornelius; sisters, Katherine Funk, Maria Giesbrecht, Anna Vandenberg and Lena Janzen; brothers and sisters-in-law, Mannus, Aart and Rein Loedeman and Hendrikje Van de Nagel and Jannetje Cozijnsen in the Netherlands. Along with her daughter, she is survived by two brothers, Abe (Helen) and Ben (Fran) four sisters, Elizabeth Funk, Sarah (Jake) Banman, Nettie (Henry) Braun and Marge (Clarence) Rempel; and two sisters-in-law, Aartje Smit and Maartje Hup also in the Netherlands. After completing Grade 11, Agatha worked as a housekeeper for several farm families near the towns of Roland and Myrtle. As a young adult, she was baptized into the Bergthaler Mennonite Church in Lowe Farm. Agatha was known as the artist of the family and took a course through International Correspondence Schools to enhance her natural ability. One year she won first prize at the Carman Fair for her artwork. Her drawing of the Dionne Quints - a Christmas gift to a cousin - was cherished by her for over 50 years. Her artwork was also put to practical use, as neighbours would bring the doors of their farm vehicles to have their names painted on them. A broken collarbone and a severe bout of pneumonia in childhood did not deter her from hard work. Many long hours were spent stooking grain and topping sugar beets. In 1937, Agatha and her mother were hired to provide meals for a crew of about three dozen workers who built a grain elevator for the Co-op at Lowe Farm. In 1943, she moved to Winnipeg and worked as a housekeeper at St. Johns College School where she met her future husband. Together, they shared caretaking duties at the Harrison Block from 1949 to 1957, when they moved to their home in West Kildonan. Agatha enjoyed gardening, sewing, knitting and crocheting. In her later years crossword puzzles and watching TV became daily pastimes. She especially enjoyed trips to the country to visit her sisters as well as a trip to the Netherlands in 1978 to visit family. Her daughter would like to express deepest gratitude to Home Care Co-ordinator Bernie Dueck, and Home Care attendants, Karen, Maria, Louise, Natasha, Joan, Lakish and especially Josie and Sitel. Thanks also to the staff at the Maples Personal Care Home where Mom resided for the past two months and to Dr. Braun and the Palliative Care Team of 2E at Seven Oaks General Hospital who made her last two days as comfortable as possible. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 10, at Kildonan Community Church, 2373 Main St., with Rev. Brenda Fraser officiating. Viewing will be held one-half hour prior to service time. Following a reception in the church hall, interment will take place at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4000 Portage Ave. Honorary pallbearers: Abe Dyck, Ben Dyck and Edward Funk. Dearest Mother, Rest in Peace I will always love you. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 09, 2002