Friesen, Mary T. (1884-1972)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1972 Apr 13 p. 11

Birth date: 1884 Apr 1

text of obituary:

SISTER MARY T. FRIESEN

Sister Mary T. Friesen was born to Abraham T. and Margaretha Thiessen Friesen at Jansen, Neb. on April 1, 1884. When her mother died in 1905, Mary and her father left the farm, moving to the city of Jansen where she kept house for him until his death in 1916.

At the age of 25 she accepted Christ as her Savior and became a member of the K.M.B. Church of Jansen. While residing at Hillsboro, Kan. she affiliated with the Bethany congregation and later with the Zoar Church at Inman, Kan.

In 1921 she was graduated from a three-year nurses' training course at Salem Hospital in Hillsboro, whereupon she was ordained as Deaconess Nurse. Following this she did post-graduate work at several different places. From 1922 to 1937 Mary served at Salem Hospital; the last 10 years as superintendent.

She continued her career in various places and also in private nursing until 1955 when she took up residence with Mrs. D. E. Harder and helped care for her in Moundridge, Kan. The Harders gave love and consideration to her as though she were a member in the family. Later she remarked these had been the best years of her life.

In December she entered the Sunshine Home at Buhler for her brief stay until the Lord called her to rest Jan. 30, 1972.

Her parents and all her brothers and sisters preceded her in death. Brothers were: John T., Abraham T., Nicholi M. [sic Nicholas M.], Jacob M., Peter M., and Isaac M. Sisters were Katie and Margaret (Wall, Thiessen).

She is survived by one sister-in-law, Susie Friesen, nephews, nieces, and friends.