Peacefully, with family by her side, Susie passed away on Wednesday, July 15th, 2020, at Charleswood Care Centre at the age of 91. Susie (Harder) Loewen was born in Winkler, Manitoba on October 2, 1928, to Henry P. and Helena Harder. She had a happy childhood growing up on the family farm near Winkler with four older sisters and one younger brother. At age 10, Susie invited Jesus into her life and began her own faith journey which lasted throughout her lifetime.
The Harder children were encouraged to get an education, learn to drive and sew. Susie and her siblings taught each other to drive while working in the farm fields, picked berries, and learned to sew. Susie completed her high school years in Winkler and then went on to nurses training (RN) at St. Boniface Hospital where lifelong friendships were made. She took further training in psychiatric nursing which led to an invitation to work at a new MCC Psychiatric Hospital in Reedley, California. At the same time, there was a young man, Henry Loewen, who had noticed Susie in the church choir at Winkler MB Church where they were both members. Susie went to California to work and Henry followed at Christmas to propose to his sweetheart. Susie accepted and in October 1959 they were married in Winkler and began life in Winnipeg where Susie continued nursing at Concordia Hospital. Their marriage was based on their foundation of faith in Jesus and their lives demonstrated this in so many ways.
Very soon, three daughters were added to the family. Susie eventually left nursing to stay at home, intentionally not returning to work until her girls were in high school as it was important for her to be present in their lives during the teenage years. Mom was a wonderful homemaker, always looking for ways to make memories and celebrate the seasons, providing warm hospitality to many, and keeping a beautiful yard with many flower gardens. She sewed for herself and made matching outfits for her three girls, learned ceramics, and quilting and planned many years of summer family time at Faloma Beach, Falcon Lake. Friends and fellowship at Elmwood Church, St. Boniface Evangelical Church and Jubilee Church richly enhanced life. Susie eventually went back to nursing and spent 10 very satisfying years as one of the first nurses to work on the Palliative Care Unit when it first opened at St. Boniface Hospital.
Retirement years for Susie and Henry did not slow down but provided opportunities to spend valuable time with their children and grandchildren, breakfasts with neighbours and extended family, and service opportunities with Trans World Radio, Billy Graham ministries and MCC Thrift Store. These years were very full and satisfying for Susie and Henry. In 2012, they moved from their family home of 40 years to Donwood Elderly Persons Housing.
In 2013, Susie lost her dear Henry and life was never quite the same but Susie carried on, knowing that God would sustain her. She enjoyed the friendship and loving care she received from the residents and staff at Donwood EPH for the past 7 years. Reading, crossword puzzles, keeping up with Christian programs and world news on tv, knitting, enjoying coffee and Oh Henry’s and especially being with family were favorite activities. “Family time is the best.”
Although Susie’s cognitive function and memory posed challenges in her last few years, she maintained clarity in her faith in God, appreciation of family, sense of humor, and graciousness and kindness to others. She was optimistic, cheerful, and uncomplaining, knowing her life was in God’s hands. She accepted life as it came to her without resistance. She was so ready to go to her eternal home.
Susie was predeceased by her husband Henry; parents; brother Ben; sisters, Helen (Peter) Loewen, Gertrude (John) Klassen, and Margaret; one brother in infancy; brothers-in-law, Peter Doerksen and Gordon Dueck; and son-in-law Rick Hamm. She leaves behind her three daughters, Barb Hamm, Ingrid (Wilson) Anderson, and Wilma (Dan) Wiens; grandchildren, Rachel (Matt) Winkler, Karis (Jason) Dyck, Natalie (Akash) Tamang, Josh (Mariana Rodriguez Valencia) Wiens, Malyssa (Reuben Geisterfer) Wiens, Cora Wiens and Chad Wiens; great-grandchildren, Molly and Chase Winkler, Baby Dyck soon to be born, Julian and René Wiens, Odin and Oliver Geisterfer; sister Tina Doerksen; sister-in-law Nettie Dueck; and nieces and nephews.
We are very thankful for the care and compassion shown to Susie at Donwood EPH and most recently at Charleswood Care Centre, and for being provided with time to be beside our mother at the end of her life. We rejoice that Susie is now at peace with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Those wishing to make a donation may do so to Donwood Manor Foundation Inc.
There will be a graveside service at Glen Eden Cemetery, 4477 Main Street, Winnipeg, on Tuesday, July 21, at 11:00 a.m. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs or blankets. A video recording of the service will be available at friendsfs.ca and come-together.ca.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Susie Loewen Wednesday July 15th 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba