Friesen, Anna Enns (1924-1990)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 1990 Jun 1 p.28

Birth date: 1924

text of obituary:

Anna Friesen

Anna Friesen was born Feb. 13, 1924 to Cornelius and Maria Enns in Fuerstenland, Taurida, southern Russia. Several years later they immigrated to Canada. She was educated in various Manitoba public schools. She learned to play the guitar and sang solos at church and in the Steinbach interchurch song festivals. She was born again at an early age, was baptized in a river near Steinbach at 15 and accepted into Steinbach MB Church. She attended Steinbach Bible School, graduating in 1943. She served the Lord by singing in the church choir, teaching Sunday school and teaching DVBS. She worked as a housekeeper in Winnipeg for one winter. In April, 1944 the family moved to Yarrow, B.C. On April 25, 1944 she married John W. Friesen, whom she had met at Bible school and who was serving as a C.O. on a farm in Manitoba. They lived in Manitoba until 1946, when they returned to Yarrow. He worked in a sawmill near Yarrow. She is remembered for her self-sacrifice for her family, her devotion to the Lord, her commitment to his will and her conscientious hard work. She made embroidered tea towels, aprons, teddy bears, Indian sweaters and quilts for her family and won prizes for her work at the Pacific National Exhibition. She worked as a cook at Columbia Bible Camp for several years and then worked at the MCC store in Yarrow. In 1984-85 she developed a rare blood disorder, but remained alert, encouraging and steadfast in her faith. She passed away peacefully while pastor Len and Esther Doerksen and family members were gathered to honour her request to pray for her release. Predeceased by 2 brothers, 2 sisters and son Neil in 1985 and 1 granddaughter, she is survived by her husband; children Eleanore Martens, Betty Balzer, Doris Dunbar, Richard, Dan, David, Robert and Joanne Dyck; 15 grandchildren and 3 sisters.