Obituary of Tina Friesen
It is with profound sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Tina Friesen on Thursday, December 3, 2020 with her loving husband Jake at her side. Tina, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, passed away at Boundary Trails Health Centre at the age of 86 years.
Tina is survived by her husband Jake, three sons, Harv (Joyce), Larry (Karen), Don (Cheryl) and one daughter Judy, eight grandchildren and partners who she adored: Cameron (Marie), Laura (Anthony), Todd, Ryan, Jennifer (Ralph), Meagan (Brent), Cassie (Dustin) and Vanessa (James). She was so proud of her seven great-grandchildren: Brody, Dawson, Ethan, Liam, Calleigh, Abigail and Josh. She is also survived by her sister Mary Koop (Jake) and sister-in-law, Tina Hildebrand.
She was predeceased by her parents, her sisters Anne, twin sister Sara, Helen, Eve and one brother George. Tina and her twin sister were born in Hague, Saskatchewan to parents Ben and Anna Schmidt on May 12, 1934. Mom spent her early years in the Hague area. The family then moved to Paraguay for a short time before settling near Steinbach in 1949.
Mom married the love of her life, Jake L. Friesen, on July 18, 1954 and together they built a life on the farm in the Tourond area where they raised four children. Tina worked hard alongside Jake building a successful grain and poultry farm over the years. In the fall of 1989, they retired from farming and moved to a new home they built near Niverville where Mom could still enjoy their country lifestyle, her fabulous vegetable garden and entertain family and friends. There was nothing she loved more than having the entire family over on Sundays when she would prepare her famous homemade kielke or vareniki for all to enjoy. Mom and Dad spent 35 years travelling to their winter home in Arizona where, over the years, they met many friends and made many great memories. Mom loved attending the Friday night dances with Dad and she picked up many new craft ideas each winter. Her favourite time of the winter was when her children or grandchildren would come to visit them as she valued time together with them more than anything else. She would always count the days until she would see them again.
Mom made friends easily throughout her life. Her gentle, loving nature was magnetic. She loved to visit with everyone and had an infectious giggle that would sometimes bring her to tears. Whether it was quilting with sisters, crafting or puzzling with friends, playing with and entertaining the grandchildren, everyone loved being around Mom. Mom was a hugger her entire life and there was nothing cozier than her warm embrace.
Mom enjoyed watching sports with Dad, especially a good curling bonspiel or a Winnipeg Jets or Bomber game on TV. She loved spending time with family at their Falcon Lake cottage and even became an avid fisherwoman in recent years. One of her favourite fall pastimes was taking drives with Dad to check out “how the boys were making out” during harvest. She never lost interest in daily farm life and took keen interest and pride in watching the farm progress with the new generation.
Her family and her faith were Mom’s true passions in life. Both remained strong until the very end. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Rest in peace Mom, we love you.
The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the staff at Boundary Trails Health Centre who took such wonderful care of Mom in her final days.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tina’s name to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.
A private family graveside service will be held with a Celebration of Life to follow at a later date.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Tina
Friesen 1934 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Steinbach, Province: Manitoba