Friesen, Martha Friesen (1924-2002)

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

Birth date: 1924 Jun 19

text of obituary:

MARTHA FRIESEN

otsford, B.C. passed away July 16 due to complications follow- ing 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 marri ed Peter J. Loe w en Jan. 24,1943 . While Peter served as a conscientious objector, they moved to s.c. They mo ved to a large farm in Bass ano, Alta. in 1944, then to Vau xhall, w he re they ra is ed hay, ho gs and cows . In 19 63 they moved to Matsqui, B.C. , whe re Pe- ter operated Bungalow Garage, for whi ch Martha did bookkeeping and office manage- ment . They were charter members of Mountview Gospel Chapel in Mission, B.C., and were very busy in the work of t.his church. In 1973 they moved to Abbotsford. After Pe - te r became ill, they moved to an apartment next to Central Heights MB Church. Peter died of cancer in September 199 1. She mar- r ied Abe Fr ie sen in May 1992 . He died in Ap ril 20 01 . She rallied to make a ne w life with friends, singing in the Jubilee Choir and cro- cheting afghans. She is remembered for her beautiful smile, abounding energy, grand hos- pitality, 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 hus- bands, 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-grandchil- dren; stepdaughters Betty Falk and Renetta Neumann; 3 stepgrandchildren; 3 stepgreat- grandchildren; and siblings. The memorial service was July 23 in Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, with Michael Dick and Herb Neufeld ministering.