1941 ~ 2013
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our wife, mom, grandma and great grandma, Martha Friesen on Sunday, October 6, 2013 at Health Science Centre. With her family at her side, she went to meet her Lord and Saviour.
She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Norman, children Pam (Walter), Sandra (Dennis) and Rhonda (fiancé Doug), grandchildren Stacie, Adam, Amanda (Colin), Alexandra, Cody, Zachary, Sydney, Drew, Kennedy and Noah, and great granddaughter Aria. She is also survived by her mother Susanna Heinrichs, two brothers, two sisters, brothers and sisters in-law, and their families as well as numerous friends. She was predeceased by her son Gary (1997), her father Peter W. Schmidt (1978), her in-laws Martin Friesen (2001) and Mary Friesen (2012), and several in-laws.
Martha was born in Altona and raised in the Somerfeld area. She attended school up to grade 8 in Somerfeld. She spent her summers hoeing sugar beets and helping out on the farm. At the age of 17 she moved into Altona and began working at the town hospital in the kitchen. She met Norman and they were married in 1961. Pam was born in 1962, and was soon followed by Sandra in 1963. Gary was born in 1966 and Rhonda came along in 1971. They moved to Winnipeg from Altona in 1966. They lived in Winnipeg until 1976 when they moved the whole family to the town of Manitou to start their own business. During that time she was a very busy homemaker and actively involved in the church, singing in the choir, attending Bible studies and the church ladies group. They moved back to Winnipeg in 1987 where for the first time she sought outside employment. She worked at Woolco which eventually became Walmart. She was looking forward to her 20th anniversary at Walmart when she became ill and was forced to retire in 2007. Mom and dad enjoyed camping and travelling and were able to take a trip to the east coast with their 5th wheel and later on an Alaskan cruise. Over the last several years mom has battled extensively with a disease involving her liver and has been in and out of the hospital. She will be missed dearly. Gone but never forgotten.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m on Friday, October 11 in the Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church, 500 Lagimodiere Blvd., Winnipeg. She will be laid to rest beside her son prior to the service at 11:30 a.m. in Mennonite Memorial Gardens on Symington Road off the South Perimeter. A viewing will be held at 7:00 p.m. followed by a devotional at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 10 also at the church.
The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and staff of St. Boniface Hospital and Health Science Centre, to Drs. Minuk and Schellenberg, for all the care they provided and the compassion shown over the last several years. Thank you also to the homecare attendants who made Martha’s life a little easier. The support and prayers from family, friends and the church have meant so much to us and are so appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Martha’s memory may be made to Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).
Offer Condolence for the family of Martha Friesen (nee Schmidt)
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Janis Lipski
Dear Sandra and family
I am so very sorry to hear about your mom. She was a wonderful lady. May good memories and time bring you comfort. Sincerely Janis lipski
Edna Peters
My Sympathy to you and your family. Know you will miss Martha every day.
John & Verna Heinrichs
Our sincere sympathies to you, Norman, and every member of the family on your great loss. May the LORD of all comfort be your constant help and support. Martha will be missed by all.
Joanne Stover
Martha was a gentle and loving person. She was the queen of multi-tasking! I remember visiting, with a small but very active crowd of noisy small children in her house, while she was managing to whip up some kind of amazing chocolate cake, mixer going full blast, and yet she carried on a full and interesting conversation with the adults, as well as coaching the kids to be nice to each other, and all the while cheerfully organizing that evening’s dinner! She has waited a long time to hug her Gary. What a celebration that must have been in heaven! Praying for peace in the hearts of her family and friends, as they go through this difficult time.
Henry & Margaret Suderman
Our deepest sympathies, May the good memories of a wonderful wife, mother,and grandmother be of comfort now and in the days ahead.
Glenn & Tammy Jordan
Thinking of you all during this difficult time. I have such fond memories of Martha from her days in Manitou. She always had the brightest smile! Cherish your memories. Hugs to you all
Gail Mooney
Dear Rhonda, Kennedy, Noah and all who loved your Mom and Grandma:
No matter how much we may wish to make it less, there is really nothing that those of us who care for you can do to help you with the pain and grief of a loss as big as this. Thinking of each of you with love and concern at this difficult time.
Ruth Hiebert
Please know that my prayers are with you. I have many fond memories of time spent with Martha and Norman,years ago. May god comfort and bless you all.
Shirley Klippenstein Manitou
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of Martha’s passing. Thinking of you at this sad time.
Jake Elias
My most sincere condolences, Norman. May God give you strength and courage to carry on, and enjoy the remainder of your days here.
Frank Kasdorf
Our sincere condolences go out to you and your family Norm. Our prayer is that you experience God’s Peace at this time. We will continue to pray for you.
Gerry and Irma Denisuik
Hi Rhonda we are a little late but none the less we are very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. We wish you and all of your family our sincere condolences.