Judith Friesen (nee Enns)

Obituary

Judith Elaine Friesen (nee Enns) passed away peacefully with her family by her side on November 7, 2017 at St. Anne Hospital. Judith was the wife of Johann Friesen and mother to John (Stephanie), Jeff (Sylvia), and Jocelyn (Ryan) and her grandchildren Tamara, Cameron, Cole, Koden, Samantha, Zander and Ruby.

Judith is survived by her two sisters Irene (John) Kroeker and Jane (Gary) Friesen and their families; step family John (Anne) Neufeld and their family, and Barb (Dave) Plett.

She was predeceased by her parents Jacob and Susan Enns, one grandson Kyle Friesen, 2 step sisters, one step brother and her step parents.
Judith was born on April 20th, 1955. She was the second child born to Jacob and Susan Enns. She lived in Blumengard (4 miles west of Blumenort) on a dairy farm. Her favorite time was to go outside with her dad, to do the chores. She would spend many hours in the barn, out on the field, or simply playing outside with the animals. She lived on the farm until she married Johann Friesen in 1971.

For most of her married life she lived in Manitoba, however she did have an opportunity to live in Calgary, Alberta for two years. This is where her first child was born. Upon returning to Manitoba, she had two more children and remained in Manitoba until her passing.

Judith spent much of her time baking treats for her family, and enjoyed playing table games with anyone that was willing to sit at the table with her. Visiting with friends and family was another enjoyable pastime of hers. If she was unable to physically go out and meet with them, especially these last few years, she would phone.

We thank dad for taking care of her all these years when she was ill. We will miss her dearly, and will think of her often in the years to come.

I was born one year after Mom and Dad got married, and so began our family. Mom could have probably been or done whatever she wanted to do. She was a great woman and Dad knew that. She wanted to dedicate the rest of her life to her family and she did a great job. She continually showed love, compassion and a strong commitment to our Dad, her children and grandchildren. She left a little bit of herself in each one of us. It makes me happy to know that we were all a part of her life. I couldn’t be more grateful for that.

Some of Mom’s favorite past time things included baking, cooking and if you ask some of her friends, they would probably say that her lasagna and cinnamon buns were the best they ever had. This is how mom touched the heart of our friends. You see this is how Mom showed her love and thoughtfulness to people. Mom, I am proud to be your son and that I had a really good chance to get to know you. God bless you for passing on your love and compassion.

We will miss you and thank you for being a wonderful mother. Your sense of purpose, perseverance and resilience, throughout life will be an ongoing guide for us.

We will keep our promise that we made to Mom, to take care of especially you Dad, and also each other.

My brothers and I would like to thank her wonderful husband our father, for the great care he gave her since the beginning of her sickness.

Dad did everything for her, from taking her to the doctor appointments, to feeding, and basically taking over her role at home. He did everything for her.

My mother was one of the strongest, most caring, kind-hearted person I knew. She passed on that loving, caring personality down to me. She taught me how to be just like her.

I will always admire the woman she was and the woman she made me. I will ever be thankful for that.

Mom and I didn’t always get along, but in the last year and a half, we created the greatest bond, one that would never be broken again. I am so thankful for the great memories and many phone conversations, even when she was in the hospital. I will sure miss the countless calls, which ended up being 2 to 3 times a day.

I’m so glad we became best friends in the last two years. You taught me so much: how to be a loving and caring mother; how to bake from your recipes that have gone through the family generations; cooking, cleaning; taking care of a home; how to care for Dad, my brothers and of course making meals for the boys and their friends.

Mom, I am glad that you are finally in Heaven, to be reunited with your dad, mom and loving grandson. We are so relieved that you are not in pain anymore. No more pills, pokes and daily struggles that you went through throughout your illness.

I love you and miss you so very much. I am having a very hard time without you. What brings me peace is knowing that you are at peace, like you wanted to be for a very long time.

Even until this day you are absolutely beautiful.

You will forever be in my heart.
Rest in Peace Mom!
Your family

The viewing will take place on Thursday, November 9, 2017 from 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB, with a devotional at 7:30 p.m.

The funeral service for Judith will be held on Friday, November 10, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB, with a viewing prior to the service. The burial will follow at the Silberfeld Cemetery.

If friends so desire, donations in memory of Judith may be made to assist family with funeral costs.