Friesen, Martha Friesen (1924-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Oct 4 p. 27

Birth date: 1924 Jun 19

text of obituary:

MARTHA FRIESEN

Martha Friesen of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away July 16 due to complications following heart surgery. She was born June 19, 1924 to Abraham and Katherine Friesen at New Rhineland, Man. The family lived near Morden, Man., then moved to Vauxhall, Alta. in 1936 and to Finnegan, Alta. in 1940. She accepted Christ about 1937 and was baptized in 1942. She married Peter J. Loewen Jan. 24,1943 . While Peter served as a conscientious objector, they moved to B.C. They moved to a large farm in Bassano, Alta. in 1944, then to Vauxhall, where they raised hay, hogs and cows. In 1963 they moved to Matsqui, B.C., where Peter operated Bungalow Garage, for which Martha did bookkeeping and office management. They were charter members of Mountview Gospel Chapel in Mission, B.C., and were very busy in the work of this church. In 1973 they moved to Abbotsford. After Peter became ill, they moved to an apartment next to Central Heights MB Church. Peter died of cancer in September 1991. She married Abe Friesen in May 1992 . He died in April 2001 . She rallied to make a new life with friends, singing in the Jubilee Choir and crocheting afghans. She is remembered for her beautiful smile, abounding energy, grand hospitality, stylish clothing and happy socializing. She was resourceful, making almost anything out of almost nothing, and perfected her crafts of sewing and crocheting. Her strength of character and faith in God helped her through difficulties. Predeceased by both husbands, son Irvin in infancy and 2 siblings, she is mourned by son Charles Loewen; daughters Marjorie Toftager, Evelyn Neufeldt and Karen Bergen; 14 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; stepdaughters Betty Falk and Renetta Neumann; 3 step-grandchildren; 3 step-great-grandchildren; and siblings. The memorial service was July 23 in Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, with Michael Dick and Herb Neufeld ministering.